Yesterday in church, an olderly (not elderly and not old... just 'olderly') sister in the ward played a musical number. She needed assistance walking up to the piano, she sat down, and started playing "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus" from the Primary Songbook. It was slow and choppy. There were many wrong notes, and no one would have been able to sing to it as she played.The spirit was so strong in that moment, it brought tears to my eyes (and even now as I think about it) watching and listening to her play. Here is a lady who has no easy access to a piano to practice on. She is self taught. And here she was, in front of the congregation, playing a beautiful song. My soul was stirred while I sat there listening to her. I smiled, closed my eyes, and listened with my heart.
While I sat there, I thought of all the people I know who say "I just can't" when they are asked to play the piano. It makes me sad that many people aren't sharing or developing their talents because 'someone else is better than me at that'. It's a bunch of crap.
After church, I found out that there were people in the ward who were actually asking the music director to NOT have that sister play anymore!!! It makes me so sad that they think our church is one of 'showing off' and 'being entertained' by those who are "truly talented". It hurt my heart that they could not see and understand what this sister brings to their meetings. It also hurts my heart that there is such a feeling that if you can't do it well, you can't do it at all. I am sure I've used that excuse as well (not in the musical area of my life, but other areas), but I am trying to be better and not say that anymore (or think that anymore).
Sometimes when I am listening to someone play the piano or organ, and they are not very good at it, others look at me with a face of 'embarrassment' for that person. I look back at them with a look of 'pity' - because they do not understand the great thing the person playing is doing. I love hearing other people play when they are not "as good" as others think they should be, because those people are the ones bringing the spirit and helping bring about goodness in the world.
Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions about what they see and hear. But especially in a church meeting, to roll your eyes at or think unkindly about someone who is sharing a talent is not very Christ-like behavior. I am not perfect, I make mistakes and mis-judgements frequently, but in terms of musical numbers or even playing the piano in a class as accompaniment, I do not begrudge anyone that opportunity, and always make a point of expressing my appreciation to them for their contribution.
I guess, the whole point of this post is: I was greatly inspired by the sister who played in church yesterday. Not because she played it perfectly, but because she played with the Spirit of God. Thank you, sister, for your hard work and dedication to building the Kingdom!! You are an inspiration!
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3 comments:
Wow. Beautifully said. Thank you for saying what you did. It's so true and give me a new outlook on anyone sharing their talents. You are such a good person. I'm glad i know you.
Well said! I'm the pianist in Relief Society. But, every time there's a special musical number...they say Sister Bullock will play...cuz she's the best! In my other ward, when I was Relief Society pianist or Primary pianist, I was the one to accompany...cuz that was my calling!
I compleatly agree! You don't see people rolling eyes at little kids who sing (or play) off key... and you know why? Because they think, "How cute is that little girl or boy who is singing with a pure heart." We need to remember that we are all children of Heavenly Father at ALL ages. We all want to share whatever talent and what we enjoy doing with others. Whenever anyone is sharing a talent or something they enjoy doing, they are doing so with a pure heart... It is a part of them. It takes courage to share parts of yourself. We need to remember that.
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