Daniel: I don’t want to go to violin lessons. It is getting in the way of my playing with friends. (Demonstrating his protest in several different ways.)

Me: You are going.

Daniel: Eye roll.

Me: This discipline is practicing for adulthood.

Daniel: I don’t care!

Me praying…

Jesus: Daniel has God gifted you with music?

Daniel: (Tense shoulders relaxed) Yes, yes he has. ( His voice was practically singing, his internal song bubbling up to the surface.) And if I don’t use the gift he has given me then that is foolish. Just like God made you with curly hair, it is a part of who you are. Music is a part of who I am.

Me: Thank you Holy Spirit for this beautiful moment. It makes my heart sing!