This is a busy time for our family and business, because our weekends are spent at Catholic Homeschool Conventions. So the kids are having lots of “sleep-overs” at grandma’s (God bless her) and John and I are getting some weekends away together. As we teach more families about the value of faith-inclusive early childhood music education, we are encouraged by meeting these families of faith who work so hard to be true to what they believe is best for their children.
Last weekend we were in Massachusetts for the New England Catholic Homeschool Conference. The Franciscan Catholic School where we convened is a vibrant, beautiful, educational environment which opened its doors to the local homeschool community. As expected, this event was well-organized, welcoming, positive, and encouraging.
One change from the 2009 conference, was the feedback from the families who have been using our program in their homes and cooperatives this past year. As a relatively new company, this is an exciting experience for us. One mother, in particular, shared a moving story. Her children are very young and she has made a point of valuing music in their family life. They are involved in three separate music programs including ours. Her children sing and pray and she is learning to be a stronger and more engaged model with them.
What she most wanted to share was not about what Making Music Praying Twice has done, but what the Holy Spirit has done for her family this year:
“My husband doesn’t pray.” she told us. From the emotion in her voice, I also understood her prayer is for her husband, a good man and father, to grow in his faith and join her as a partner in her spiritual journey. I understand this prayer, because ten years ago, I was there.
“The other day,” she continued, “I found him on the porch with the Lent Songbook playing the Agnus Dei on his instrument.” The tears in her eyes made it clear to me that this was more than a musical exercise for this man. The music is helping him to connect and to pray. We are hearing more and more stories like this. The prayers, which are gently permeating the home through music, invite the Holy Spirit, who changes hearts, souls, and lives. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
