The Song

So, the VBS singing station that I mentioned. Well, my son cracks me up. I'm also concerned for what lies ahead. He appears to be a perfectionist. He also does not like to be silly in front of others. He takes almost everything seriously. What does this have to do with VBS singing? Well, I saw this all perfectly displayed during the singing station. Friday morning Thomas was very different from Monday morning Thomas.

During the opening songs, with all the kids gathered together, Thomas simply stood there. He didn't sing, didn't move, just stood there. This continued during the singing time. I just figured, oh well, he will warm up by the end of the week. Tuesday was exactly the same. I tried singing with him, he didn't appreciate that at all. I just figured he didn't want to be silly and that was that. Wednesday, the same continued. Except during the singing station when one of his favorite teachers tried to get him to sing, he cried. Then he was asked to sit at the fireplace. His teacher then asked me to work with him because the kids that didn't sing wouldn't be going on stage. Well, now it was time to have a chat.

I thought about the situation. Was this really a punishable offense? He wasn't being defiant, he wasn't being rude, so far no. Was this really disobedience? Should I expect him to obey my asking him to sing? Or should I even make it an issue of obedience? Jared and I talked about it and decided no on all of these things. The only concern for me was if he just was too cool to sing, but that didn't appear to be the case either. So Wednesday night we talked with Thomas and encouraged him to try. I told him that I would come out with him during the singing station and help.

So, Thursday at the right time I snuck out to his group and watched. He was standing there, watching his teacher, acting shy, but I could tell he was thinking. I simply went behind him and helped him do all the motions. By the second time through each song he was doing everything on his own, but still wanted to make sure I was touching him and helping him. At the end of each one, he jumped up and down, do proud of himself. He even went and high-fived his teacher.

Friday came and I didn't go out, but I could see him from behind and he was a totally different child. He was doing all of the movements, shaking his booty and smiling. His teachers couldn't believe the transformation.

On Sunday he got up and performed with the whole group and was a pro! He wasn't singing, but he knew every movement and did it with a smile on his face! I must admit, I cried. It was that motherly pride, bubbling up with in me squeezing out with a smile and a tear!

Here's the Video:

http://youtu.be/Wg5KQ0DWocY

Thomas is the one in the jeans, center front

So, yes, Thomas is a perfectionist. He doesn't want to do silly things unless he can do them right. This is something I'm ok with, but also something that needs to be re-fined so that it is done with the right heart and in a way that is glorifying to the Lord and not done in a wrong way. It's a great trait one that I pray is used for God's good!!

(I say he doesn't like to be silly, but that's just in front of others. Around the house, Thomas is all sorts of silly!!)

PS as we sat here watching, he was singing along.