Musical

When I was growing up I really wanted to learn to play the piano. As my eyes didn’t work together properly I had trouble focusing on the written notes and where they were on the stave. This meant that I needed to remember the whole of the musical scores rather than read them. I managed to get to about grade five before I stopped.

When I moved to the farm I had another go, thinking that as my original eye sight problem had been fixed I would be able to make better progress. However, practice time was limited, with five children and a grandchild to look after, so that dream wasn’t realised either.

Would I say this exercise was a waste of time, no? It allowed me some time away from the farm and it gave me opportunity to relate to another woman at least once a week. It was just one of the many things that helped me adjust to my new lifestyle on the farm.

A couple of years ago we needed a pianist to play coupe of hymns for a church ladies function. Without thinking I said that I would do it. It took weeks of practice and fortunately they were not complicated pieces. With encouragement from friends and determination on my part (every time I walked past the piano I sat down and played at least one piece, once) I was able to give a satisfactory performance.

It seemed like a miracle to me that I didn’t lose my place or mess up. Yet I understand that God knew that someone was needed to play that day and I had enough skills to fill the vacancy. I still needed to work hard and He rewarded me by filling in the gaps.

What a wonderful God we have!