A Day of Tender Mercies

Have you ever had a day where almost everything that can go wrong does? I started to feel that way today. I knew it would be a busy day. We had much planned and prepared for today and things needed to work out perfectly.

For the month of December our ward was providing 15 minutes of prelude every Sunday. I was doing prelude for sacrament meeting with Aubrey. I was accompanying at the piano while she played her flute - on a crazy song that had a lot of hand crossing. Then we were doing a piano/organ duet - with me at the organ. I have not played the organ in years, let alone an ancient one like the one in our building. Then of course there is singing time in primary and then in the evening is the Stake Christmas fireside in which our family and the Willard's were to sing.

We got back late from Queen Creek the day before. Still I managed to get my family up and going. The practice at the Willard's started very late because the choir ran considerably over. That put us behind schedule from the very start. Josh ran off to the church straight from the practice for his Elders Quorum meetings and I headed home with the kids. In trying to make up time I was loosing so many things.

It was time to leave and I couldn't find my jacket. It was raining, cold and I needed it. I knew I had worn it home the night before, but I just couldn't find it anywhere. The kids are now in the car and I am still searching. I ran to my room said a quick prayer and sat and thought. I immediately had a thought of somewhere I hadn't looked and sure enough it was there. Thank you Heavenly Father. One last quick check of everything helped me realize that I didn't have my music. Another frantic search. I had taken it and practiced while we were in Queen Creek. I swear I packed it to bring it home, but I wasn't positive. Now I was desperate. The kids are still in the car. Another quick trip to my room, another quick and fervent prayer, and another quick thought of somewhere to look. Thank you again Heavenly Father.

Through all of this a massive migraine had developed, starting prior to getting to the Willard's that morning. The medication I had already taken had not kicked in yet. On the 20 minute drive to the building tears were forming. First in result of the severe pain and pounding in my head, but also for the blessings and quick answers to prayers. I continued on with my prayers, thanking Heavenly Father for showing me such mercies and helping me in my time of need. This time I was also requesting that the pain in my head would subside and that I would be able to do all that was expected of me that day. The kids were so unbelievably quiet the entire ride and the soothing music I had on just relaxed me and allowed me to remain calm. By the time I got to the church my migraine was gone - not only the migraine, but the entire headache. Again - I had been so blessed!!

We got there at the exact time I was supposed to be there. That in and of itself was another blessing. We were running so far behind the entire day starting with our practice and I wasn't sure what time I would end up getting to the building. I was able to quickly get everything set up and ready at the organ and even run through each of the pieces once. The prelude went better than expected. I was overcome with the Spirit. As I sat down with my family I felt such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and peace for the blessings that I had been blessed with so far.

Once we were home the family quickly ate and I was able to sit at the piano to practice for the fireside number. The adults were singing a four part harmony to When Joseph Went to Bethlehem with the kids singing the melody with the soprano. I was on alto. I love to sing alto, but usually need someone with me. I was nervous, afraid and starting to panic. As I sat at the piano practicing I just kept praying. In my prayer I told Heavenly Father that I had done my part to practice and practice and practice and that I was now turning it over into His hands. I did ask for something specific. I asked that I would be able to clearly hear the alto line in the piano so that I would be able to stay on my part. As we stood there, my legs were shaking. I was so afraid of making a fool of myself, but was trying to rely on the prayer that I had asked.

Never before had I heard a line in the piano as clearly as I had at that time. I was able to stay on my part and blend with the others so well. Again, as I sat it was an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love. I knew that my Heavenly Father loves me!! I knew that He was watchful of everything that I had that day. I knew that because I had practiced so much and then asked for help and blessings that I received them.

I am tremendously grateful for the blessings in my life and for the tender mercies that I am given by my Heavenly Father!