“Onward, Forward, Upward!”
Al and I were
invited to attend a special concert followed by a catered dinner on Saturday
evening, May 9, at a private home above Springville. Two talented and
accomplished musicians, one playing the violin and the other accompanying on
piano, performed several beautiful pieces together. The women received a standing ovation at the
end of the concert, their hard work and practice very evident.
Three young people
also showcased special songs they had learned on the piano. One little boy (8)
had only been taking lessons for about six months. His great-aunt who happened
to be the violinist and hostess, had invited him to perform, which he did with
a great deal of poise, even down to his ending bow for the audience.
We enjoyed the
wonderful evening of music and the dinner afterwards. It was especially nice
having the opportunity to visit with friends, many of whom we don’t see very
often. I met the mother of the little eight-year old boy, who was intricately
involved with his lessons and practicing schedule. When she found out that I
have been taking lessons for about ten years, she asked, “Well, why weren’t you
up there at the piano?”
“Are you
kidding?” I answered. “I’d have a panic attack getting up in front of other
people.” Then I proceeded to tell her the long sad story about the talent show
at my elementary school, when I tried to play “Song of the Volga Boatmen” on my
clarinet, ‘umpteen’ years ago.
It wasn’t a
difficult song, but the fragile reed on the mouthpiece cracked right in the
middle of a high note, making a very loud squeak! That shocked the audience who
began laughing, as well as making me mortified. After it was over, I rushed
back to the classroom and put my head down on the desk, in tears. The teacher
was nice enough to let me leave school and walk home (right across the street).
That was the beginning of my reluctance to participate in recitals or other
solo performances.
“We all have
our own struggles,” the woman said. “When we face them, we become better
people. I don’t have a problem getting in front of people, but I do have other issues.”
As that point I
was thinking…“Lady, I’m sixty-seven years old. I don’t have to do it if I don’t
want to!” Her words rang true however, revealing stubbornness, pride and fear
in my heart. Perhaps I need to view those experiences as opportunities to do
something for the Lord with joy, giving back what He has given to me.
Dear Father,
Thank you for the gift of music. Please forgive me for being stubborn and for
being more concerned about what people will think of me than of being obedient
to you. Help me to desire to work for your glory and your kingdom and to use
those gifts you have given me to focus on you rather than on me. In Jesus’
name, Amen
“Onward,
forward, upward!”
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in
the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17 NIV
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