The most wonderful thing happened Sunday in my class.  One of my members' grandson came and stayed for the entire hour while I taught.  His grandmother has raised him. 

This young man has had an extremely challenging life.  I don't know how he has emotionally survived.  But with each adversity, he has emerged and risen above the difficult circumstances he has faced.

Last year, he found a cello teacher to further his study of the instrument.  A teacher that appreciated his talent and inspired him.  The right person at the right time can make such a difference in a young person's life.

He played the cello for us.  It was awesome.  Even more awesome was the way he presented himself.  Most fifteen year olds wouldn't have come into a room full of older women and performed.  Much less with the aplomb and confidence he exhibited.

When he finished playing a very difficult piece by Bach, he spoke to us of what an eighth grade teacher in science (who was a Christian) had taught him and how it changed the way he looked at science theories.  He took a magic marker and explained the double helix on the board.  He participated in the class from time to time with interesting and relevant comments.

He spoke to us with direct eye contact, and no hesitation, but with polite reservation.  He had a quality that I call "Draw."  You are "drawn" to his face due to his ability to capture your attention with his eyes and mannerisms.

I asked him why he wasn't nervous playing for us.  He said, "I am very nervous."  You couldn't tell it.  He was calm.  He simply drew the bow across the strings and made beautiful music for us and lifted our spirits.