This week, I am mining for diamonds! I do this several times a year, and I'm always excited when I find one! It's funny how something so beautiful can remain hidden for years if you don't actively, intentionally search for it!
Now, I'm not talking about literal diamonds...I'm talking about the "diamonds" of hidden talent in children! Unless you purposefully and laboriously search for it, coax it out, and take the time to polish it, an extremely valuable gem might go unnoticed forever!
This is the reason I hold auditions for elementary aged children. My job would be soooo much easier if I always chose the children who were naturally gifted and who displayed that talent openly, and who needed little or no instruction. But, my job is NOT to simply display what is already evident, but rather is to cultivate and nurture an emerging talent! After practicing together for hours, I absolutely LOVE seeing the confidence of children blossom when they sing, act, or perform for an audience! Watching my "diamonds sparkle" is one of the favorite parts of my job!
