Traveling, traveling, and more MUSIC!

Since school has ended I have been in a flurry of things to do. Fund raising, car riding, music doing, and visiting people. As soon as something ends something else begins! This summer has been awesome though, despite all the doings to be done.
I got the opportunity to attend BYU's Young Musicians Summer Festival and OHMYGOODNESS. That was one of the most amazing experiences ever. I left home scared and terrified that I would fail auditions and that I might not be adequately prepared. Because I had just finished a 20-something mile trek for Youth Conference just hours before departing, I had no time to practice. My fears multiplied and eventually blossomed into a terrible feeling of inadequacy. Perhaps this was because of all the traveling time that I had to think. Satan had time to manipulate my thoughts and my feelings. As soon as I recognized this, I began to silently pray to myself for comfort and guidance.
After checking into Summerfest, I felt calm. How I auditioned and placed ultimately wouldn't matter. I was here for one purpose. To grow. I was ultimately seeking to grow spiritually, and that did happen. I was surrounded my amazing musicians that shared the same faith and the same interest as I. Despite my intimidation on my part, I got to play with some of the most amazing people I have ever met and heard. Might I add, too, that the saxophone section was AMAZING in the wind ensemble and everything they did. Though it might not have been for them, the music was a struggle for me at points. However, when I felt frustrated, angry, intimidated, and inadequate of pulling it off I found comfort in Christ. He would not judge me because I was incapable of playing that part yet. I would simply have to try my best and keep working. That's what would please Him.
The experience was so inspiring. The Holy Ghost was with me the entire time and I never have experienced something so fun and challenging. I made noise with my alto sax that I didn't know I could make! I not only grew and strengthened spiritually, but musically. If I can next year, I will return. :)