Elise's Dilemma

Elise has been working hard to prepare for her part as a soldier in her ballet studio's performance of the Nutcracker. When she joined the ballet studio auditions had already been held, so there were no spots available. Yet, she chose to go to the extra Friday practices as an understudy in hopes that a spot would open up. Very soon after a spot did open, and she has been practicing each Friday for the last two months getting ready for this upcoming Saturday's performance.

On Saturday Minnesota was blanketed with over a foot of snow, which pushed a mandatory rehearsal one day, from Saturday to Sunday. We emailed the director of the performance to let her know that Elise would not be able to attend Sunday. However, the director responded that the rehearsal was mandatory and could not be missed. If Elise did miss, she would not be able to perform. (The director has roughly 100 young children to coordinate, so it is very reasonable that the penultimate rehearsal be mandatory.)

When Claire and I explained the situation to Elise, she was devastated. (For our friends who are not Mormon, a little background on our faith may be helpful. Sunday is our sabbath day--a day for worship, for family, for rest, and for service, but not a day for shopping, sporting events, etc. Elise was recently baptized. As part of her baptism she made a covenant to keep the commandments as she has been taught in our faith, including keeping the sabbath day holy.) Claire and I knew how much this meant to Elise, so we were feeling her anguish right along with her.

Elise said through her tears, "I want to perform...but I've made a covenant, and I don't want to break my covenants."

Claire and I explained that she was free to choose what to do. After some consideration and prayer, she determined that she would not go. She felt that her circumstance was not an exception--that she should keep her promise to honor the sabbath day. Because of her choice, she will not be performing on Saturday. But she is happy--happy that she stayed true to what she believes. She has a feeling of peace knowing that she is doing what is right.