Every first Wednesday of the month, instead of the usual mid-week Bible classes, the elders of the congregation we attend have set aside a special time to devote to congregational singing and practicing new songs, or songs we don’t know very well.

One of the elders is a retired music teacher, and he starts out with a brief session where he takes a few songs, breaks down the parts for everyone, or goes over some music theory to add meaning to the worship. For example last night we went over the song, Exalted, and he explained the mp, mf, and f symbols to those who may not have noticed to help us sing out the last words as the are denoted forte. After that, he calls on various men of the congregation to give them an opportunity to practice leading songs before the congregation. Since it is an informal training session, my oldest son has been invited to participate for the last three years or so. And, since my youngest arrived, he has now been invited as well. What a thrill to see my boys embrace learning to lead the congregation in songs of worship to God!

When my oldest was around six, he began participating. He would go up to the front pew with his dad, and sit there until his dad finished whatever song he was leading. Then, hubby would adjust the microphone for my oldest, and help him get the hymnal situated, and if needed, help get him started. Now nine, he is pretty polished. He will get up on his own, greet the congregation, ask us to turn to the song in our hymnals, and begin singing (and moving his hand like a conductor!).

My youngest, with his fifth birthday just in sight, is obviously pretty new to this! But, it’s been great to see my oldest take over the role my husband played, and help his brother get going. Once my youngest gets started, my oldest intuitively has begun to step back and to the side. Then, my youngest leads one verse of Jesus Loves Me, conductor motions and all!

Though I participate in the congregational singing, I can’t help but have a huge, proud “mama smile” on my face while the boys sing! After their turn last night, the person whose turn it was after theirs mentioned how small my oldest was when he started and how professional he’s become, and how my youngest is off to a great start! Music to a mother’s ears!

After services were over, many came up to the boys to encourage them and tell them how proud they were of them, or offer high fives, pats on the back, or a “good job!” The preacher’s wife had a friend visiting her, and upon being introduced asked if the boys who lead songs were my boys? After hearing an affirmative, she went on to say how impressed she was with them, and what a joy it was to see the loving care my oldest son showed my youngest.

I love my little Righteous Dudes, and seeing them grow in “wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

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