Graced

Tonight I accompanied an elementary chorus for the school spring concert.

Not just any elementary chorus. My chorus.
The kids I spent four months with in the fall.

They're not mine anymore, but I am incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with them again. The smiles, hugs, cheers, and numerous bouquets made feel like a complete celebrity - all over again! If I had been wearing socks, they would have been rocked all the way to Laos and back. Believe me; I know firsthand that's a long way.

When I'm there, I can almost see myself plunging full force back into that world. A part of me truly experiences joy from the laughter and energy of the students. I think the lesson there is to know that I can be all there if the LORD leads me so. Through internship, I gleaned life lessons among myriad musical and teaching skills.

And yet, a part of me knows that chapter is closed for now - hopefully not forever. I feel as strong a tug as ever to continue pursuing piano, and this simply cannot be done while teaching full-time. I continue to work with my piano students, and I love the one-on-one instructional time and relational aspect of the craft. I love to learn, and so I love to share that through teaching.

I don't know yet what the next chapter looks like, but I don't want to take this one for granted. For now I am soaking in every moment with my husband, every outing with our pup, and lots of time with our phenomenal families. And still I've been able to enjoy my solitary mornings at the piano and busy afternoons with students. (Oh, and did I mention I'm planning my bestie's June wedding?)
Life is good, and I am beyond blessed.

Tonight was reminiscent of four wonderful, challenging, formative months of my life and the fact that my heart connects deeply with the teaching field. But I am happy to say that I don't wish it all back. For once, I am wishing to be here. Now. And I don't want to turn the page until it is time.  It's so easy to always look for something better. While I carry dreams and ambitions on my heart, I don't want to forget to be present in each moment here and now, because each breath is a gift. A grace. A love note straight from Heaven.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." - James 1:17, ESV