formative

I was in a church last night, watching a children’s performance. The performance included children from about 7 to 21. As I sat there, I thought of the formative years. Do you know when those are? Pediatricians, psychologists and most health professionals consider birth to five to be the most important for establishing a solid foundation for life skills.

Watching these ensembles sing, it occurred to me that every single child was in a “formative” year. Why? Because, they are still growing physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and psychologically. What prompted these particular kids to want to be here? It’s a community of musically talented young people. Was it talent alone? Probably not. Was it location? Somewhat, but many of them travel once a week to practice for up to an hour. Was it parental support? Maybe, but that alone cannot invoke this kind of response. They looked like they were highly engaged and enjoying themselves as they sang in unison. I understand they are not allowed to sing with the group until they learn every word of a song and can recite it. These are not simple songs. These songs are often in foreign languages, both familiar and unfamiliar words.

During one segment, the choir director asked the parents and friends gathered in that huge hall to join in singing, “Oh Come all ye Faithful”. Surprisingly, I knew three verses and the refrain. Maybe, I missed a few words, but it went unnoticed. Then, it occurred to me. How did I know every word? How did the rest of these 500 people know them?

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to perform functions that you learned in your “formative” years? We know that if someone learned to ski when they were kids, it is much easier to get back on skis as an adult. It’s very difficult to teach your body new skills in your 50’s and the same is true with learning the words to songs.

It was a beautiful evening.