Today we witnessed something both beautiful and deeply instructive. Emma had her third piano recital. Outwardly, she looked cheerful and composed, but as parents we sensed another layer beneath the surface.
Noticing the Signs of Nervousness
From the moment we arrived, subtle signals showed through. Emma mentioned a tummy ache and asked for lactobacillus, hinting at the kind of psychosomatic symptoms that often accompany nerves. While waiting for her turn, she kept reaching back to touch us, looking for comfort. Her usual bubbly chatter was replaced with quiet glances. She never said, “I’m nervous,” but everything about her body language told the story.
It reminded me of my own experiences. Just a few weeks ago, after giving a talk, I felt a wave of stomach discomfort as the adrenaline wore off. These physical signs are real and common, whether you are a seasoned adult speaker or a child facing a piano recital.
1. Acknowledge, Don’t Minimize
Our first lesson as parents was simple but challenging: don’t dismiss a child’s emotions. The easy response would have been to reassure quickly—“Don’t be nervous. It’s just like practice.” But we held back.
Telling a child not to feel nervous can send the message that their feelings are invalid or unnecessary. Instead, we named the feeling gently and reminded ourselves that nervousness is normal. Her body was simply reacting to something important.
2. Point to Past and Present Realities
The next step was to anchor her in truth. We reminded her of what she had already done. Over the past days she had practiced faithfully, rehearsed softly at work and at home, and prepared her piece with care.
God is a God of order. When we sow diligence, we often reap steadiness. This wasn’t empty encouragement—it was reality. She could step onto that stage knowing she had done the work.
3. Root in a Deeper Hope
This is where Christian parenting makes a unique turn. Many would say, “You’ll do great” or “Everything will go fine.” But we cannot guarantee that. Keys can be missed. Memory can falter. There is no promise of a flawless performance.
Instead, we pointed Emma to something more secure. We reminded her that Jesus is with her in every note. Whether she plays perfectly or stumbles, nothing changes her worth or our love. “All things work together for good for those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). This is not just positive talk; it is reality anchored in God’s character and promise.
A Moment to Give Thanks
When the time finally came, Emma played beautifully. She remembered most of her notes and offered her piece with quiet confidence. Afterward we prayed together, thanking God for giving her both the ability to play and the joy of sharing music.
Parenting Takeaways
This recital was more than an event; it was a parenting classroom from God.
- We learned to see and validate emotions, not sweep them away.
- We practiced speaking truth rooted in both past diligence and present reality.
- We used the moment to point her heart toward the unshakable love of Christ.
In the end, Emma’s music became more than a performance. It became a reminder that in every stage of life—whether in a concert hall or in daily struggles—our security rests not in perfection, but in the perfect love of God.