The Twelveth Day of Christmas---The Little Drummer Girl

Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31b (KJV)

As an eleven year old, I joined the music class in my school. Already late into the year, there wasn't much to choose from except the drums. The teacher gave me a pair of drum sticks and a rubber pad for practice. The other drummers already knew their "licks," as well as the hand signals the teacher used to depict the songs. It was confusing to me, but I followed along, learning the beats.

When I told my mother about the drum, she purchased a pair of drum sticks for me. I felt so proud and took them to school, practicing in music class. At home, I beat on everything, rat-a-tat-tatting all over the house.

At the Christmas rehearsal, the girls wore white dresses with black shoes. Mother bought beautiful, white waffle-weave material and a pattern. While I was in school, she sewed a dress for me and bought a pair of black patent leather shoes.

The night of the recital, I stood near the front. We went through the songs and drum routines, but I was relieved when it was over. I never could remember the hand signals so I played by rote.

Later, I heard "The Little Drummer Boy" song, written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. The little boy had nothing but a song to give to the baby King, so he played his best. He gave his heart. I gave mine as well. Today, I cannot hear the song unless I play "air drums" and hum along. "I played my best for Him. Pa rum-pa-pum-rum."

Jesus, in this life, let me continue to play for You until I can play in heaven. Amen.

(c) 2013 E. Bonnie Ryan