Unexpected Delight

Tonight we went to a Christmas Eve service at a church here in Memphis and there was a moment that just really blessed me. At one point in about the middle of the service, there was a portion titled "Kids Carols," and the MC of the evening invited all elementary aged kids to come forward and sing the songs which were printed in the bulletin (Away in a Manger and Go Tell it on the Mountain). Will immediately was game to go up and we were all gung ho to have him join in the other kids who were singing.

He jumped out of his seat, walked down to the front of the building, and stood there a bit awkwardly waiting to be placed in this impromptu choir. As we watched this, it suddenly dawned on us that perhaps this wasn't an impromptu event, but a group of kids who had been practicing for these songs. So there was Will, up front, and aware that he might not be in the right place. I honestly was brainstorming ways that I could inconspicuously walk past several hundred people and relieve him of his situation. My creativity was stymied on this one.

"What will happen?" I wondered. Will he melt down from embarrassment (my likely response at that age)? Will he be angry at us for encouraging him to go? Will he stand there woodenly and distract from the choir? What will this situation bring? I kept surveying the doors of the room in case I needed to attempt a save of my son's dignity.

So what happened? I got to watch Will enthusiastically sing the two songs and was blessed at the unexpected delight that he understood what was happening and sang well anyway. I believe this speaks of some good character formation and strength that is inside of him. I was delighted to see this.

After the service, we talked a bit and I told him how proud I was of him. He kind of laughed and that was the end of it. I asked his permission to blog about it, and he gave it. Tomorrow I'll see if he'd like to read this. I'm very proud of all three of my sons, but was unexpectedly delighted by my oldest tonight. What a great early Christmas gift! Thank you Will, and thank you God for what You're doing in him.