Yes, I Can

Anything is possible with God...

Matthew 19:26

Yesterday was a day for one student to throw in the towel and quit.  It was also, praise God, a day for a similar student to say, "Oh yes, I can!"  The contrast between the two was both heart-wrenching and glorious.

Both students were completely unprepared for their first nine-weeks recital.  Both came to the dress rehearsal not knowing their song.  I told both of them that they would have to sing at the recital using their music (which would cause a deduction in points).  One of them went on stage with the music and did a credible performance.  The other walked up, set the music on a stand two feet away, refused to look at it, and proceeded to completely tank their performance.

The one who actually made it through the recital was heard afterwards describing me in very unflattering terms because I insisted that music be used.  One of the people listening was a member of my sophomore class, who immediately challenged this student to straighten up, really practice, and get it right the next time.  Throughout this nine weeks, the sophomore and the freshmen have worked together every week, concentrating on accurate memorization of the music and getting the language pronunciation correct (Italian).  When I called on this student yesterday in class, the person who strode confidently forward bore no resemblance to the student of the 1st nine weeks.  A bit of a swagger, a confident grin, and a wink of the eye told me that this time everything would be different.  And it was! The performance was the total package: accurate music, accurate language pronunciation, and confident presentation.  

When faced with a seemingly impossible mountain, one teenager gave up, and the other utilized the help of a fellow student to climb to the summit.  As I grieve over one, I celebrate the other.