Numbers 6:24-26 and the Stomach Flu

We've been up to our tree-topper with Nutcracker rehearsals and performances. This year, Molly was a bonbon, and Anne was a soldier. In my ballet-challenged, motherly-biased opinion, they were, of course, phenomenal.

However, just before the final performance, the stomach flu came on Anne with a vengeance. And when I say, "with a vengeance", I mean, "in the van". Twice.

And several times thereafter.

Thank goodness for two casts of performers, and alternates who can fill in for sick soldiers at the very last minute. Anne and I came home and snuggled on the couch before I tucked her in bed with a giant plastic bowl. I prayed and sang until she fell asleep.

As I sang, I thought about when she was born nine years ago, and how hugely inadequate I felt to be the mother of a daughter. I prayed for wisdom in raising her to be the woman God created. I imagined her life years from now--a life filled with beauty and music and, stomach flu notwithstanding, dance.

I made up one of my terrible off-the-cuff tunes to Numbers 6:24-26, and sang it over her again and again.

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.

An hour later, Anne was up again with another bout. When I settled her back under the covers and kissed her hot forehead, she said sleepily, "Will you sing that song you sang before? The one about God's face."

I'm certain the tune wasn't the same the second time around, but at least it still put her to sleep. As I sang version two, I prayed again.

Lord, make my whole life sing about You! Every word written, every lesson taught, every laugh shared, every tune sung over a giant plastic bowl--let it all be a song about You, Your glory, Your face. Amen.



A lesson from last year's Nutcracker - Advent Week 4: Angels and Peace