I felt the proverbial “butterflies in the stomach” this week as I thought of how I had agreed to play guitar and sing in public with my son.  At first, I had used my gift of persuasion to convince him that he would do much better alone in a solo than in a duet.  I was sure I had succeeded in getting out of any participation in performing in front of a crowd, but for that crestfallen look in my nine year old’s eyes... 

I enjoy public speaking.  In fact, I used to teach Public Speaking, among other subjects, back when I was a college instructor. I have been in front of plenty of crowds in the past for ministry, church, teaching and business.  But, singing is quite another story; people expect you to actually sound good.

One of the wonderful side benefits of homeschooling is that we as parents get to “learn along with our children.”  My husband and I want our children to be good musicians to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. So, not too long ago, I decided to take up the guitar, not just to learn to play an instrument, but to be right in the midst of what our children are doing.  

By learning an instrument, too, I am in the same boat as they are when it comes to the rigors of daily practice. I am convinced our children’s abilities in music have increased because they see me trying hard to learn a piece, not just telling them to do so. But, I did not expect I would have to go beyond my comfort zone.

Well, I looked into my son’s eyes and realized that while the duet represented an uncomfortable experience to me, it represented a special time with Mom to him.  We may never have such a chance again, and would God want me to forfeit it to fear?   One thing God has so impressed upon my heart lately is that our children are little such a short time, and we need not take any minute for granted. So, I agreed to the duet.  

We decided to sing and strum one of our favorite songs, I Will Call Upon the Lord by Michael O’Shields, which comes from a psalm David wrote after God delivered him from Saul and the Philistines.

No one threw rotten tomatoes, so I breathed a sigh of relief and my son was beaming. I am so motivated to practice and do better next time, because I realize that having many children means there will likely be a few more “next times” in which I am asked be the other half in a duet (unless I can persuade my husband to take up the guitar...)

I Will Call Upon the Lord
By Michael O’Shields

I will call upon the Lord,

Who is worthy to be praised.

So shall I be saved from my enemies.

The Lord liveth, and blessed be the Rock,

And let the God of my salvation be exalted.

The Lord liveth, and blessed be the Rock,

And let the God of my salvation be exalted.

From Considering Homeschooling.