Tonight was the Christmas program at our church. I played the piano for a good portion of the numbers. Oh, did I have fun! It seems as though the life I live these days doesn’t allow for a lot of accompanying or choral work – and those are things I used to thrive on.
I was surprised, no shocked, on the way home when my sweet husband pulled out his iphone and showed me video of me, playing “Gesu Bambino” while my friend, Gretchen sang. I had no idea that he had captured the moments on his phone. No idea.
I don’t remember ever watching myself play the piano. Not recently, anyway. As I previewed my accompanying, I was emotional. The song had been so beautiful that I was completely enraptured while playing – it was truly a gift that I won’t forget anytime soon.
It would be easy for me, after this evening’s program, to fall into a trap that is regularly set for me by the Deceiver… “As soon as I can find a way, I’m going to get back to the things I love – playing the piano, accompanying, performing… just as soon as I get my life back. Just as soon as I don’t have to… change dirty diapers or teach or clean the house or laundry or taxi my kids around town or… ” The list goes on and on.
There is no doubt, that my musical gift is a talent on loan from the Heavenly Father. Certainly, I should use it for Him and for His glory. I feel certain that there is nothing wrong with enjoying the ability He has given me. But, as a believer – its not about waiting for this to be over so I can get back to my plans. Rather, its about giving my life up altogether. In fact its death.
As I learn to die to myself, I find His priorities in place of mine. His will takes precedence – which leads to a life of service, a life that gives rather than receives. For me personally that means being a stay at home mom, rather than the career I once thought I’d have as a musician. But, in choosing His plan, I have found freedom and joy on the path that He has placed in front of me. Its in dying to my own desires that I have found true life in Christ.
He set the premier example many many years ago when He came to earth as a precious baby, prepared to live sacrificially. What a Savior…
from Jesu Bambino:
“Again the heart with rapture glows
To greet the holy night
That gave the world its Christmas Rose
Its King of Love and Light.
Let ev’ry voice acclaim His name
The grateful chorus swell
From paradise to earth He came
That we with Him might dwell.
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord.”
Lord Jesus, Thank you for coming to earth. Thank you for giving up your life, so that I could find mine. Keep my heart focused on the blessing and peace that comes from remaining in You.
amen.
Matthew 16: 24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
daily portion 