"Irrational Panic"

Haven't posted since Ella's 13th birthday celebration, but felt like God's most recent life lesson for her was worth sharing.  

Music has given Ella so much since she started violin at three-years old.  It has brought her (us) together with so many wonderful people, given her confidence at a time when she struggled with her dyslexia, and provided many beautifully sweet opportunities to do what she loves with some truly amazing musicians.   

Hebrews 13:16 reminds us of the importance of blessing others with our time, talents and treasure.  Ella loves honoring God in this way.  Last week she was offered a full-time gig with a country band.  Last night she had the opportunity to play a few songs on stage with an accomplished musician.  We had no idea who he was, but soon discovered the details about this Blues award-winning guitarist, singer, record producer and songwriter.  

Ella was asked to provide a short song list to share with him the day of the event, so we wrote down her top six and submitted.  We arrived early for set up and discovered "he didn't know any of her songs; he mostly writes and sings his own."  He talked with her minutes before she was to play and told her "not to worry, they would figure something out."

To her misfortune, this 13 year-old, country fiddler wasn't able--on a moment's notice--to figure his bluesy something out on stage in front of hundreds of people and experienced the loooongest song of her life.  

Our girl is brave, courageous and has an enormous amount of grit!  Despite her feeling of "irrational panic," she stayed on stage trying and smiling until the bitter end of his sweet song.

After which, she slinked off the stage in "total humiliation."   As parents, it was like watching a country/bluesy rock collision and feeling completely and utterly helpless.  Seeing her face on stage and not being able to rush to help was tough, but she handled herself like a pro...and we could not be more proud!

Here's to one of many life lessons our treasured Ella B! Keep sharing your time and talents. Most importantly, give yourself grace in moments like these and fiddle on!