Developing Talents

As a mother of six young children, I was surprised when received the impression to apply for grad school. already held bachelor music, and though taught voice lessons sang in various community organizations, none those things require credentials. It made little sense put my two preschool-aged children into daycare just advance seemingly useless degree.However, prompting undeniable. certain that Lord must want me further education so could begin singing professionally. He would on path where use talents bless edify lives others.I accepted master's program began balancing work, kids, Managing everyone's schedules not easy, but constantly buoyed by knowledge God had work do exactly needed be. fully anticipated he continue help after graduation as searching employment.But life professional American opera singer means lot travel, usually four weeks away every gig. The thought leaving family length time heartrending. Another option Europe, singers are employed single theater therefore need travel. But this uprooting from their friends place they even speak language. Though transcontinental move presented logistical challenges gave panic attacks, focused vision what planned did everything power make it happen. wasn't until European audition tour learned didn't sacrifices career necessitate. Not only that, also wanted me, either.I returned home discouraged confused. Had misunderstood Heavenly Father's promptings? What supposed now? Why sacrificed much earn degree if going it?I continued teach sing with stalled pandemic. Opera houses throughout world closed. With zero engagements horizon who assistance distance learning, lost all motivation practice.I stopped singing.After months silence, shook proverbial cobwebs off voice, sat at piano, through some favorite pieces. forgotten joy singing. A peace enveloped knowing again envisioned me. And sharing thousands. own home, sheer it, middle pandemic.Even offered prayer gratitude gift song happiness brought still felt doing enough. After all, good is art shared? becomes no more than an ungiven gift, like feast prepared plated never eaten. Yes, sit alone, indulging solitary meal hardly feels justifies hours labor required create such decadence. My school both wasteful selfish since diverted attention apparently reason.The next day, studying Lord's words Oliver Cowdery Doctrine Covenants 5:4: “And you have . commanded should pretend other purpose fulfilled this.” pondered his gifting voice. To end? How gift? In still, quiet morning, answers came.What enjoyment? others simply because loves wants be happy? built very fiber soul way experience during trials? escape, expand, heart take flight? loved enough provide freedom demands pressed heavily upon often struggled meet most basic needs? An outlet accessible—available while washing dishes rocking babes—that wouldn't recognize blessing? he's waiting drop warped will shame associated developing sole feeling joy?I don't share gifts thousands fulfill sing, feel God's love me.And