Primary Program

This year we are Trace's team teachers in Primary and as the annual program was approaching, Trace started to get really nervous. He would say that he didn't want to participate and was expressing real anxiety about not being able to read his part like his classmates can. I told him not to worry and that we would help him learn the songs and practice his part. We got a CD with all the songs on it and we started to play it each night before bed and sing and dance to each song. He definitely had his favorites and sang those with more gusto, but he learned them all pretty well. When the day arrived, Nana and Papa came to see the production. While Trace was sitting next to us during the sacrament before they called the kids up to the stand, he leaned over to me and told me that his tummy was "going crazy". He said he felt like he needed to throw up. I told him that was normal and he was just nervous. He continued to wring his hands and ask to go home. I was starting to get nervous for him. The presidency had decided that the teachers would not sit up on the stand with the kids like I am used to, so I knew he would be on his own.

When the time came, he tucked in his shirt of his new outfit and walked right up to the correct seat. (They had practiced the week before) While it wasn't his turn to be up at the pulpit, he sat still and paid attention. I was worried that when the time came for him to talk, he'd mumble or freeze up, but when his turn arrived, he stood strong, leaned in to the microphone and delivered his part perfectly! He was the only one in his class that had to quote a scripture and he did it so well! There were a few in his class that were a little hard to understand, but Trace spoke clearly and loudly. I know now how it feels to have your heart swell with pride. He then returned to his seat and sang well and tried hard to remember all the words to all the songs. His part was;

"My name is Trace. 2nd Nephi Chapter 32, Verse 5 reads, 'the Holy Ghost will show unto you all things what ye should do."

After it was all over, I rushed up to give him a hug and he was beaming. He hugged Nana and Papa and took the compliments from other adults around him in stride. I asked him if he talked to his friend Talon that was seated next to him and he said; "No, I was following the rules and being reverent." How cute is that?! He also made a special effort after the program to tell the primary choir director; "I love the Primary Program". She was so touched and I was so proud. I sure do love this kid!