Wednesday's are super busy for me. One of my weekly Wednesday activities is a music lesson. Now, I am a piano player from a very young age. Until recently, I didn't have a piano in my home. Several months ago on a trip to Florida, we rented a u-haul to bring some things back and my childhood piano was one of those things. I had a tuner come and when he took the piano apart he informed me it had never been tuned. Did I mention it was my childhood piano - 39 years old. I asked how he knew this and he responded with "Because this is a part of the original packing material", as he held up a piece of wood. I just laughed. Some weeks I spend a lot of time on it and then some weeks go by and I don't play a note. However, the purpose of this post is to define was soothes me. While I love the piano, it is not the instrument that calms my soul.
About 5 years ago, I was doing a study on David. David was quite a man. The bible describes him as "...skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him." (1 Sam 16: 18 ESV) The part I took note of was "skillful in playing". David played the harp. In fact, David played so well, he soothed King Saul in his times of deepest stress. Suddenly, I became very interested in the harp. I wanted to learn to play. I looked for a teacher in the area - there was none. I looked for a store that carried harps - there was none. It turns out, not just any music store carries harps. My husband thought it a fleeting fancy and encouraged me to wait and see if the desire continued. Since I couldn't find a teacher or an instrument, that is what I did.
Several years later I was working in the hospital and happened upon two young girls on the oncology floor. They were carrying a small harp and going room to room playing for the patients. I excitedly asked "Do you play the harp". They looked at me with a slight grin and said "Yes.". I am sure they were thinking, "No you silly woman we just carry it around with us for show". I asked if they took lessons and would give me the name and number of the instructor. I rushed away to call. Her name was Rosie.
When she called back we made an appointment to meet at her home. She showed me her harps, let me play them and answered question after question. She informed me there was a store in Richmond where most of her students either rented or purchased harps. The two girls she told me were two long standing students and some of her best players. I couldn't wait to get home to tell Steve all about it. He seemed pensive, but he agreed to take a trip with Rosie, me and another potential student to see the store. That day, both myself and the other girl rented harps and brought them home.
It turns out if you have played the piano and can read music, playing the harp is not as complicated as it appears. I began taking weekly lessons. Steve admitted he thought harp music was, how should I put it, kind of "funeralish". I think it took about 2 days of my plucking before he wanted to put his hands on the strings. Another week or so after that and I believe he was sleeping during my practice time. Today, he tells everyone he can't believe how relaxing it is to listen to the harp.
I have been playing for just over two years. My rented lever harp has been traded in for a purchased pedal harp. It is beautiful to look at and beautiful to play. Everyone who comes in our home says the same thing I said that first day, "Do you play the harp?" I smile and say "Yes" just like the two girls in the hospital. I have no intention of becoming a concert harpist or of making money playing for weddings and such. It is purely for my enjoyment. Today, Rosie told me she is having a tea party with her harp students to celebrate our move to Florida and to say farewell. My heart is touched. She has made learning a treasure and a joy and she will be deeply missed.
The bible goes on to tell us, "And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him." Perhaps you have a lifelong dream of learning and instrument or craft. I encourage you to find something which turns the chaos into creativity. Find that which soothes your soul.....
In His service
Mally
Comments