Talent Show

Last night was the annual Riverside Elementary School talent show. My middle school child Mackenzie started participating in 3rd grade and so did my youngest, Taylor Grace. So this would be my 5th talent show to watch. I have to say it is thoroughly entertaining. I love the variety. I love the creativity. I love seeing the kids come up one or two at a time to show what they can do.

They are always a few that make you smile because they are so enjoying themselves. It may be singing, it might be dancing, and it’s not always that the talent level is immense, but you see that they are giving 100% and you find yourself smiling right along with them. There is also the few that look absolutely scared to death, or so small that you’re not sure if this was really their idea, but again you find yourself wanting to clap and encourage them for their bravery. There are always the mishaps of a missed note or words, the nervous giggles, and a few acts that perhaps are a little ahead of their time. And then there are the children that amaze us. It will probably sound a bit racist, but I need to become friends with a Korean mom just to figure out how they manage to have such consistently high achievers. But I have probably missed the curve already, and variety is the spice of life- we can’t all be overachievers.

I remember Mackenzie’s 5th grade year she played a piano piece. She had been taking piano for a year, and she played her piece perfectly. Immediately following was the tiniest 1st grade boy. He was precious. Dressed in a tux, Paul Wang was about the same height as the piano. He sat down and played this beautiful sonata that blew everyone away. He is now in Taylor Grace’s class and played beautifully again last night.

Taylor Grace and her friend Savannah choreographed and performed their own dance to Mylie Cyrus’ “Party in the USA”. As her mother, you know I am completely unbiased when I tell you it was incredible ☺. Which made me think about all the other moms and dads celebrating these gifts and talents that these children have. It made me so proud to see the kids expressing themselves and avoiding that adult tendency to over criticize or compare. You could just see the uniqueness in each child whether they sang, danced, or played an instrument.

It makes me wonder what it would be like if we all were less critical of ourselves. If we were all brave enough to share our talents, to give what we’ve got. If we set aside time to enjoy each other’s abilities and didn’t expect perfection but instead encouraged the courage to try. I wonder why we don’t do that more often? It was better than any TV show. It was cool also to see the community coming together to do something fun and wholesome. So thank you to you PTA moms that made it happen. You encouraged the arts and touched my heart.

There is a parable about talents in the bible which is representative of money in the scripture. But I imagine it holds true for our abilities as well. Don't hide or bury them, get out and use them!