Choosing the Right

Does anyone like to be told what to do?
We all like choices right?
It is amazing how true the scripture is that says teach them correct principles and they will govern themselves.
Okay, so here's the story. For as long as I can remember my girls have been trying out for the annual summer play and/or musical here in our little town. For probably 5 years or so. And they have not one time been chosen for a part. We have a pretty good idea as to why. On the availability section of their application I have ALWAYS written that they are not available to practice or perform on Sunday. And the performances have ALWAYS been on Sunday. So they keep trying out and continue not to get a part. Our town also does a Spring review every year for the past several years. We have always missed out on this because the auditions are not well advertised. So this year the girls and I were watching and waiting for the Razzle Dazzle auditions. This was it. They were going to try out and they were sure that this time they'd get a part. (We had heard rumors that almost everyone gets a part, even if it is just in the group numbers.)
So Salena kept me informed and last night was the first night of auditions. The day before, I checked the theaters website to be sure of times and I noticed that the play will run for one weekend.....a Saturday and a Sunday. OH NO!!!!! Not again! So I tell the girls. The play will be on the Sabbath. They asked if they could still try out. I told them (sincerely) that it was their choice (If they wanted to do this, I was ready to let them). Miranda took all of 5 minutes (if that) to decide. No, she would keep the Sabbath day holy. She would not be trying out. Danelle and Madison thought that they would still like to try. We decided that if they were really going to do this that we would not limit their availability. They either committed to the play and would perform on Sunday or not try out at all. Essentially they would be agreeing to practice and perform on Sundays......something that we believe to be breaking a commandment, and something that we normally would not do. So then Danelle says that first she will pray about it and let me know the next day. Now, I am all for choosing the right and keeping the commandments. And I try to be a good example. I really do. But seeing your children disappointed year after year is hard. If they wanted to try out and be in the play I was ready to let them without one hint of a guilt trip (or a conscience apparently). So on the day of tryouts (yesterday), Danelle had forgotten to pray about it, but she and Madi where still sure that they wanted to try out. Okay. So we go about our day and after picking up the girls from various activities and locations it was now 5:00. Auditions would begin in two hours. I mention this and Danelle says that she has changed her mind, she will not be trying out. I admit that I was a bit disappointed. I ask if she decided this on her own and why. She says that she did and that it is important to her to keep the commandments. Wow. But our spitfire Madison says "Well, I am still trying out!!!". Fine. We go home to have dinner before we head out to the theater. Madi asks if she can try out at any other time. No, I tell her. Tonight or not at all. She chose not at all. She had a headache, she told me (likely story) and would be happy supporting Ethan by going to the play on Saturday to watch him perform. She said she was okay missing out this time. I double checked with each girl that this was really what they wanted and all agreed. And then they went off happily to play Legos together before and after dinner. This is where I thought the story would end. I was quite amazed at my girls and proud of them for making the right choice, despite my lack of enthusiasm and support. But they were obviously feeling good about their decision and there was definitely a good feeling in our home.
And then the phone rang.
It was seven minutes before 7:00 and Salena was calling from the theater to tell me that the show was NOT on Sunday after all. It was scheduled for Friday and Saturday instead. Then an amazing thing happened. I made the announcement to my girls. And instead of whining, complaining, and fit throwing because I had gotten it wrong (actually the website had it posted as Sat. & Sun.), or because they had to get dressed again (they were already in their p.j.s), or because they had to switch gears and leave their fabulous Lego city they were actually cheering and excited. They each quickly got dressed and chose a song to sing and we were at the theatre by ten minutes after 7:00. Even Kamiryn chose to get up on the stage ALL BY HERSELF (!!!!!!), and sing Happy Birthday. She was darling! They all did great!
And back at home afterward I couldn't help but think that this life is a test. And although we aren't always rewarded for choosing the right quite so visibly or immediately, I know that our choices do NOT go unnoticed by our loving Father in Heaven. Even the seemingly insignificant choices of 3 little girls in the middle of Minnesota. We'll find out Monday if they made it. But this Momma couldn't be happier or more proud than I am now of my sweet girls.