Thursday, October 16, 2008

Day 1 - {A date from heaven}

100 days of gratitude tag

I was inspired by you, Andrea, and what your mom suggested to help you through your difficult days. My mom says, too, that it will help to focus every day on something I am grateful for.

 

So, I hereby begin 100 Days of Gratitude!

 

DAY 1

I can't believe I almost didn't ever post about this. The only reason I remembered was because I was trying to think of something I'm grateful for! :)

A couple of weeks ago (10/3/08) I took the boys to Arkansas Symphony's Children's Concert. This is a tradition for us--it's a way for the boys to get to see Daddy at work. There was a surprise guest artist there from Cirque de la Symphonie (affiliated with Cirque de Soleil--a few of their artists tour and collaborate with symphony DSCF3477orchestras). The group had been booked for the Pops concerts that weekend, and one of them volunteered to come entertain during the Children's Concert that day.

All of us were mesmerized, and I left the concert burning with curiosity for what the grownup concert would be like, especially when DC showed me the music they would be playing for them! It included such treats as the March from Prokofiev's "Love for Three Oranges", Saint-Saens' "Bacchanale", Bartok's "Roumanian Dances",  and Bach's "Toccata and Fugue".

I wanted REALLY, REALLY badly to go.

But there was no way.

Not only could we not afford a ticket (DC could get them half-price, but we heard they started at $50!), but we also were not in the running to be able to get a babysitter. I gave up on the idea, hoping that someday perhaps they would come again, and I would have another chance.

That evening during DC's rehearsal, my friend Stephanie stopped by, just to visit. We talked for a couple of hours, about all kinds of things. (I guess I had really needed a listening ear--what's new?!) She asked if I was going to Chris's concert, and I explained why I wasn't. She said, "Well, I'd be happy to watch the boys for you."

Wow!! This was a truly awesome gift. Stephanie is just coming back to church, facing some pretty hard challenges, due to her husband's lack of support. She teaches 3rd grade and has 3 kids of her own. She is so, so busy, and has many of her own trials. That she would be willing to do this meant a LOT. I couldn't very well let the price of the ticket stand in my way now!

I got online and found that there were tickets starting at $17 way up in the nosebleed section. With DC's discount, that would be $8.50. We could handle that! :)

It felt so, so good to get all dressed up and head out the door with my handsome violinist husband in his tux. I even put on perfume for the first time in ages! I actually felt beautiful, even though I'm still 20 pounds overweight. It was awesome!

We realized on the way there that it has been months since we went on a date outside our home together. I can't tell you how great it felt! I really, really needed this. DC worried that I wouldn't be able to see very well from the upper balcony, but I told him I didn't mind. I was just so happy to be able to go relax away from home.

DC dropped me off at the ticket office, and I went in and asked for a ticket with my musician-spouse discount. The ticket office lady said, "You're a musician's wife? Here, let me give you this ticket. Someone just turned it in, it's already paid for, go enjoy!" She handed me a $50 ticket for the middle of the mezzanine! I almost started crying right there in front of her.

Like I said, a date from heaven. Or rather, a date from Heavenly Father! This was such a miracle to me! To sit and enjoy the beauty of live music and the artistry of those amazing dancers was so soothing to my spirit.

Thank You, dear Father! Thank You for a compassionate friend, for a free ticket, for powerful music, for the agility and grace of the human body, and for eyes, ears, and heart to enjoy this special evening.

 

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11 comments:

chapples8 said...[Reply to comment]

That's way cool Michelle. You were very blessed. It reminds me of the saying, "If there's a will there's a way."

llamitanan said...[Reply to comment]

Good job, Michelle! I LOVE the idea of doing it for 100 days. I look forward to reading each one. You are so teachable.

llamitanan said...[Reply to comment]

Oh, I forgot to mention--I liked the picture of the boys too. The introduction clipart is awesome also. Way to go!!

Becky said...[Reply to comment]

What a neat evening and what a special way for Heavenly Father to tell you that He loves you!

Becky said...[Reply to comment]

Beautiful 100 days logo, too. Well done!

Barry said...[Reply to comment]

Wow, that's terrific Michelle! It just reaffirms that we really are being watched over and our needs (and even our wants) are not forgotten by the Lord. Thanks for sharing your story and the idea of gratitude. I think this is something Suzanne and I should do as well.

Amy Kay said...[Reply to comment]

Michelle,

You are so sweet. I miss seeing you guys, and wish you were closer, then I could go with you to those kinds of things, or watch your boys for you. I haven't been to a musical performance like that in years either. I want to go this Christmas and see the Tallahassee symphony play, but just as you, I don't currently have that in my budget. Maybe another time.

I thank Heavenly Father everyday for all that He does for me. I know I am truly blessed.
Hugs, Amy ;)

Andre said...[Reply to comment]

Wonderful, wonderful. Little things make me cry, too.

France said...[Reply to comment]

I just came back from Time Out for Women. It was great to come catch up on your blog. I felt like it was a continuation of what I had just heard theme was Joyful Life). Thank you for being so open about your feelings. I am so glad you were able to go enjoy a night out. After this weekend I realized how important it can be to get some "me" time. And it always helps to have an occasion where you get to dress up. Especially if it involves going with your husband. Lashelle

snbjork said...[Reply to comment]

Wow! What a night! I love it when things like that happen. As others have mentioned, it is a good reminder that God does love us so much and He knows our every desire. He so wants to bless us. I know He must really look forward to the times when He can send down a little (or big) "treat"! I'm grateful Stephanie is there to be an awesome friend to you. I miss you!

I am looking forward to reading your daily gratitude post!

Sharon Beck said...[Reply to comment]

I was touched by all the miracles that happened so you could attend this concert. But more impressed that you realized how blessed you were that they happened. Thanks for sharing.