Speechless

So, last night was what a homeschool music girl like me would consider her graduation. :) I had my senior recital in St. Cloud, and it was absolutely amazing. My playing, not so much. But the people there were SO amazing. My 2nd grade teacher was there too, which was really awesome. And two of my previous piano teachers (yes, I've actually had more than 1....7 if I include all my camp teachers,haha). Not to mention a ton of neighbors and friends who I hadn't seen in forever. Apparently, some people started crying in the middle of the program, which really encouraged me. Like, that's why I'm doing music. Because of the people. Of all the people, to know that an older man who can appear to be tough and maybe even calloused could cry is so encouraging. And then, to get a standing ovation at the end of my first solo recital/mini-concert was really really cool. And what encouraged me the most were the number of people that showed up. Like, I was sorta worried that I'd be playing to only a few people, but my brothers actually had to pull out extra chairs! The room was full. And that in and of itself touched me SO much. To know that I'm not forgotten; to know that someone cares that I'm alive; to know that not only people have touched my life, but somehow, I've touched theirs too is crazy amazing. And such a blessing. And it was really nice because one family friend said that she could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. And although I was really anxious toward the beginning, at the end, a calm came upon me. And that's like a miracle because me, calm, playing piano and singing in front of people? Like, can the three things even go together? The whole evening was just a blessing. And the new best day of my life. Seriously. And it's like, sure, I'm thankful for Wisconsin too, yet even after being here for five years, it doesn't really feel like home. To me, Clearwater Minnesota is home. Not just because I grew up there either, but because most of the people who have had an impact on my life are from there. And because the people there appreciate me. Like, there's absolutely nothing like not seeing someone for 5 years and hearing,"I miss your smile". Absolutely nothing. So what made last night so special wasn't just the event. What made last night so special were the people who made it all possible; the piano teachers who, by God's grace, have helped me come to where I have musically; the school teachers who, even in early elementary school, have said that average isn't enough and that I need to work my absolute hardest, even if it's simply working my hardest at cursive; the neighbors and friends who encouraged me to continue with music; the people. So it was a real blessing. And I am officially done with high school. For forever. It seems crazy. But it's a blessing. And honestly, sometimes I seriously do stand in awe at the Lord and His work. Taking me, a girl who only had a three percent chance of surviving the meningitis and encephalitis without being deaf and mentally disabled, and giving me the gift of music. The Lord is amazing. And He truly does use the weak things, even if the weak thing is me, to confound the wise. Well, I have a song for this post too to sum up this year for me. :) Less Like Scars by Sarah Groves-



Later,
Rachel