In relation to my last blog post, my older daughter had a performance at school the other day where her class was to sing in front of the school as they hosted the church service that day. I got there early to get a good seat . Well, as I looked back at the entrance to the church, I saw my daughter upset. I know the face. I got up to see what was wrong, and she said her stomach hurt. This was a pretty clear case of anxiety and stage fright. Now, my daughter has done things like this before, but for some reason, this was not setting well with her. Even though she's the "older" child, she's by far the more "cautious" and calculated. She'll let her little sister lead the way (similar to the kings taster. . if it doesn't kill the taster, then it's safe for the king to try). Well, her teacher saw her crying with me and saying that she didn't want to go up there. The teacher obliged her and let my daughter sit with her and watch the performance.
Afterwards, her stomach may have felt much better, but her pride did not. As the crowd recessed from the church, my wife took my daughter aside to talk to her about what she was feeling. She explained that weather it was an upset stomach, or simply nerves about performing in front of everyone, it was totally understandable and ok.
I was able to catch this vulnerable and comforting moment.