Shining Light

Jenny sat on her bed, the long, slim wooden violin case lying open in front of her. She had been practicing for hours, but no matter how hard she tried, the notes just didn't seem to come out right. Her fingers felt like they were made of lead, unable to pluck the strings with the delicate precision required to create beautiful music. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about all the other kids in her music class who seemed to effortlessly play their instruments.
Feeling defeated, Jenny packed up her violin and trudged downstairs to talk to her mother. Her mother was in the kitchen, cutting vegetables for dinner.
'What's wrong, sweetie?' her mother asked, sensing Jenny's gloomy mood.
'I just can't do it,' Jenny said, her voice trembling with emotion. 'The violin is too hard. I'll never play as well as the other kids.'
Her mother put down the knife and gave Jenny a hug. 'Music isn't supposed to be easy, Jenny. It takes time and practice to master an instrument.'
Jenny knew her mother was right, but she still felt discouraged. That's when her mother came up with an idea.
'Why don't we go to the music store and see if we can find an instrument that's a better fit for you?' her mother suggested.
Excited by the prospect, Jenny quickly changed out of her practice clothes and into her favorite dress. She grabbed her younger sister, Sarah, and they all headed to the music store.
As soon as they walked in, Jenny felt a sense of wonder. Guitars, violins, pianos, and many other instruments lined the walls. Her mother and Jenny wandered around, trying out various instruments until they came across a small, cherry red guitar.
Jenny picked it up, strumming the strings gently. The music that filled the store was beautiful and soothing. She couldn't help but smile.
'This one is perfect,' Jenny said, her eyes lighting up.
Her mother smiled back at her. 'I think you're right.'
Jenny had always been interested in singing, but she had never thought of playing the guitar too. But as she held the instrument in her hands, she knew it was meant to be. Her sister, who had been searching for a piano, came over to see what all the excitement was about.
'Wow, that guitar is cool. Do you think you could teach me?' Sarah asked, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.
Jenny's heart swelled with happiness. She finally had something to share with her sister. With her mother's support, she bought the guitar and they all headed back home.
From that day on, Jenny practiced every day on her new guitar. She still had a lot to learn, but she enjoyed every minute of it. She even began to sing along as she played, creating beautiful duets with her sister on the piano.
As they grew older, Jenny and Sarah formed a band and started performing at local events. Jenny's love for music had not only brought her closer to her family, but it had also helped her find her passion and shine in a whole new way.
Jenny realized that sometimes, when one door closes, another one opens. And in her case, that door led her to a shining light of music and joy.
Category:Story