"My Gift is the Gift of Song," said Fauna

My birthday is 9 days away...
That just seems like crazy talk to me but pleasant crazy talk it is.

However, currently it is 3 degrees Fahrenheit outside but I am really hoping that the 10-day forecast is at least slightly accurate-- if so, it is supposed to be a balmy 36 degrees here in a bit. Of course, this promises more snow to be dumped upon us but for some reason that does not seem like such a bad deal if only I could have a little more warmth to walk to school and work in... I am just saying, it would not be a bad trade off in my eyes.

Today was kind of a special day in as far as church goes. In our Sacrament meeting, I got the opportunity to present and short musical number for a little halfway mark of the meeting. I chose to sing a popular hymn from the LDS hymn book called "I Stand All Amazed". After debating and debating earlier this week, I finally decided to just wing it a capella  and pray that my nerves would not throw off my pitch. It went well and I apparently surprised my bishop who has heard me sing in such a way before but apparently two years prior is too long to remember. I tried not to hold it against him, ha! 
Another note on the topic, it really goes to show how much I take this particular talent of mine for granted. In my mind, a capella has always been my favorite medium of performance and one that I at least can feel confident in my abilities pertaining to it. I did not give it a thought when I walked up to the stand to sing aside from how the congregation were probably mildly confused when I nor another person went to the piano. Apparently, I did surprise a few people with my choice and not a few commented to me after the meeting that it was a rather courageous thing to do. Of course, I thanked them for the sentiments (seeing as they were all positive reviews) but it caused me to stop for a moment to think about how most people would rather have accompaniment to their singing in hopes of covering up mistakes they might make or at least to keep their nerves from messing with their pitch.
It makes total sense but in the end, I still prefer being able to randomly choose a note on which to start singing (of course staying within the then set key signature) and just go for it. There was one moment when my voice cracked but anyone could have chalked it up to being emotional over the words of the song--- which is partly true and partly because I simply messed up. But it was quite nice that no one brought this to my attention even though I am sure they all heard it. 

Regardless...

I am really quite thankful for this gift of song that my Lord has seen fit to bestow upon me and the strength and surety He lent to my voice astounded me and it reaffirms my faith in prayer and relying on the Lord in all things, even in performance.
I am also thankful for the working ears I have been blessed with that has also contributed to my love, appreciation, and ability to execute musical performances.
Wonderful.