childhood companion…

During my 7th grade year of life many monumental things happened.  Our family moved back to the states from Canada and I started a new school. I had my own room in a new house.  My mom had a near fatal car accident.  My Great Grandmother came and stayed with us for several months.  But, for me, nothing surpassed one particular event.

In the fall of 1987 a Young Chang, black ebony grand piano was delivered to our home, planted on the new plush gray carpet, just inside the living room.  Nothing earthly changed my life more than that piano.

I remember some of the first pieces that I learned on that instrument : Debussy’s Reverie and Chopin’s Military Polonaise.  I practiced hours upon hours each week, sitting on that bench, preparing for lessons and competitions.  There was no place I’d rather be than sitting at the keys.  It was truly my first love.

As time went by, the piano was my constant comrade in life’s ups and downs.  I played my heart out at that piano while our family walked thru some of the most difficult circumstances of my young life.  And although I enjoyed classical pieces, when my heart was heavy or in need of tender loving care, I would play hymns and worship music.   Oh the places my heart soared while I sat there with my friend, the Young Chang.  So many private moments of warmth and satisfaction, I can’t even begin a list.

We’ve been home, visiting my parents this week.  Yesterday I went in to say hello to my old childhood companion.  Our visit was long and refreshing.  There was a warmth that has never left – every time I sit there on her bench, she welcomes me and we enjoy beautiful,  glorious moments of musical bliss together. And oh how I needed it!

I realized something as my fingers were gliding over the familiar glossy black and whites.  It wasn’t the music, or the piano alone that had been my companion all those years ago. But rather, it was the music, the gift He’d given to me, and the certain presence of His Holy Spirit at the center of it all, soothing my heart and soul, guiding me daily.  Where else would I have found Him closer, than sitting on that bench?  Only a Heavenly Father with such sincere affection would carefully appoint this rendezvous with me.

It was no different yesterday than it has always been.  While I played I experienced the most intimate moments of communion with Him – In particular as I played and sang these words:

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art, And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, Satisfies my heart; Satisfies its deepest longings, Meets supplies its every need, Compasseth me round with blessings; Thine is love indeed!  Jesus I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art.  I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.  

He has been and will be my deepest point of satisfaction and rest and blessing.   His love is more than great! There is intense joy and comfort knowing it was my Savior who has been with me all along.

He is my companion.