Afterthoughts of the Primary Program

Last Sunday was our ward's Primary Program. There were moments when I felt like it was the Slichta Show because we were involved so much in it. Emmy and Adyson took responsibility for memorizing their parts. Both girls sang in small group numbers. Emmy and her friend Eleanor played their harps accompanying the children as they sang. (which was so cute) I had a small speaking part and played the organ twice. And Jeff was a teacher who smiled big and monitored reverence, making sure the kids were where they needed to be at the right time. Maryn and Kaden sat alone in the audience. So sad for me that Maryn wasn't in the program this year. It was a lovely program and we're all glad it's done now.

My favorite part of the whole program was being able to look out into the audience at all the faces of the parents. When their children were at the microphone the parent's eyes brightened and they mouthed along as their child spoke. Of course if the child's voice was especially cute or if they did something goofy with the microphone or all of a sudden forgot their part the whole congregation smiled wide claiming the program to be all the more touching and inspiring. At the end the Bishop had some closing remarks... interesting that they went right along with my feelings regarding the faces of the parents.

Except, he went a step further.

The Bishop related this to our life. He said that when our children performed well we were thrilled and it showed on our faces. But how interesting that even if our children didn't perform up to the level of how they practiced our faces still radiated love and joy for our child. We didn't get mad that they messed up. We won't punish them when we get home. The kids just forgot their part and we loved them all the more for it.

And then he said...

Our Heavenly Father is watching us all the time. He loves to watch our success'. He wants to hug us when we accomplish something great. But, sometimes we forget our "lines" and make mistakes. When we do this He loves us even more. We know how much we love our own children, but Heavenly Father's love is even greater. When we goof up he just smiles and wants to hug us. He doesn't want to punish us. He can do this because he knows our hearts. He knows our desires and the person that we are. He wants us to stop beating ourselves up when we forget our "lines." He wants us to move on and feel His love and know how special we are because it's true. We really are His and we really are GREAT and He loves to watch us learn and grow...and` he just smiles.