Sunday, April 18, 2010

Our Unseen Cheering Section

Two little girls sang in church today. They had beautiful, sweet voices that testified of the Savior and His love for each of us as he suffered in Gethsemane.

It is a song I have loved since I first heard it a couple years ago, and I was touched by the words and their voices.

But what touched me the most, was watching the mother of one of the girls as she sat in the congregation.

Jen sat five rows back from the front, at the end of the row. She was not in a position where the girls would notice her, nor was she where she could help if they forgot the song. Yet there she sat, with a copy of the words and music in her hands, head bowed, and mouthing the words along with them--seemingly willing them along. Jen has nine children, yet at that moment she seemed oblivious to the other eight as she concentrated, singing the words along with her daughter.

The little girls did not see her, but I did. And as I watched her there, the script in her hand, and singing every word with them, it touched me deeply.

I first thought of my own daughters, far away from home. I may not be in a position to help if they stumble or forget what they should do, and they cannot see me, but my thoughts and prayers are always with them. I suffer with them through their hurt feelings and rejoice in their successes.

And then my mind went to heaven, and those who live beyond the veil. I wondered how many mothers, unseen, watch down on children, and mouth the words along with them as they attempt to sing the song of life?

Suddenly I could feel the presence and power of others, watching us, willing us along, holding the "script" in their hands, encouraging us to say and do what we need to do, praying we will remember the words we were taught and always sing in harmony with the Savior.

They are our own unseen cheering section.

It was a nice thought. And one that brought . . . joy to my journey.

13 comments:

justmeagain said...

What a sweet story. It made me think. I lost my mother to cancer when I was a teenager and have often felt her presence with me from the other side helping me along. Of course I would rather she were here with me, but it is a comfort to know she can help from the other side.

Emma T said...

I love this! What a cute mom she must be. And I too have daughter who live away. I know exactly what you mean. I feel my heart is with them every day!

Handsfullmom said...

What a sweet thought. Thank you for sharing. I took some photos of my best friend's family yesterday and I was so touched by the way all of her kids and her husband adore her. It was so clear who was the center of that family.

MissKris said...

I love this post. I am glad to always have you as my cheering section :)

rad6 said...

I love this. Oh so true. Thank you for sharing and tell "Jen" thank you for being her. Sweet.
I might just have to share this with my class in the morning.
:)
as we talk about the destruction of the nephite civilization and how not to get to where they were, we can think and draw strength from those who are cheering for us beyond the veil.

Momza said...

That was so so nice. I really relate to the Mama on the side...and the eternal perspective too.

Rebecca Irvine said...

That is a beautiful thought. I hope there are many unseen cheer-ers looking over us!

alpinekleins said...

This post makes me feel so happy - because I know my cute daughter and daughter in law who are far away have the support of their RS sisters all around them :)

Looking for too Womens Conf - it's just around the corner :)

Kristin

Unknown said...

I love the thought of an unseen cheering section around me. Gives me much needed extra strength!

Shannon said...

I love this thought. Some days it's easy to remember, some days we really need the reminder. Thanks for being so observant and relating it so well. You know, for someone I've never actually met, you sure bless my life. Thanks for being such a good friend!

Susan Anderson said...

Such beautiful thoughts...and true.

I just found your blog from Momza, and I think I owe her a thank-you.

=)

Elena said...

Thank you for sharing that sweet story! I just found you from Momza's blog and I am grateful that she shared with me as well.

I would love to believe that we have so many others watching and loving us from the other side of the veil.

Dave and Camille said...

That was beautiful. Thanks for making me cry and always being there for me!