In early May of 2023, I was scrolling through Facebook, which I really don’t do that often. But on that day, I happened to see a post on a local homeschooling resource page. The person posting was looking for a piano teacher to help with hymn playing. She wanted to play hymns for church, but make them interesting, not just play what was on the page. And I responded saying I could definitely help her.

That student was Mary.

Just a bit more than a year ago we started lessons. Unfortunately, my house sits at the top of a steep driveway. And there are a lot of steps to get into my house and a lot of steps inside my house. My studio situation was daunting for Mary because of knee trouble. So, we worked it out to have lessons at my parents’ house, which sits beside a flat, circular driveway and has only two stairs to the front door.

Did I mention Mary is in her 70’s?

I’d never taught an adult student before, but I’ve taught hymn playing. In fact, I’ve been playing hymns for Sunday School or church services since I was 10. It seemed like a natural fit to take her as a student. I was confident I knew how to help her. But I didn’t know how much her lessons would help me.

Did I mention Mary hadn’t taken piano lessons since middle school?

We began our first lesson, and there were challenges. But Mary was ready and she had resolve. She also had a deadline. Her husband was the pastor of a church and their pianist was not able to play any more. Mary needed to learn, and there was no time to waste. She worked hard and week after week she improved.

Mary would pick the hymns for Sunday and we would work on learning them. I wasn’t prepared for how wonderful it would be teaching her to play all the old hymns I had learned so long ago. “At Calvary,” “Saved By The Blood,” “It is Well” – just to name a few… We’ve done so many, I can’t even begin to remember them all. But, they all were so familiar I found myself singing along as she played.

“Glory, I’m saved! Glory, I’m saved! My sins are all pardoned my guilt is all gone! Glory I’m saved! Glory I’m saved! I’m saved by the blood of the crucified One!”

These days, most Monday mornings, we start by chatting a bit about the week. Then Mary plays her most recent hymn selections and we have church, sitting right there at my mom’s piano. It’s not that I am an amazing piano teacher or that Mary plays every note perfectly. But singing and playing together these hymns filled with truth is the most beautiful music to my ears! Just thinking about it swells my heart almost to the point of bursting!

I often think, in spite of reality, that I’m in charge of my circumstances, that I’m the one controlling my next steps. But when I think of this small thing, that I never knew I needed – and certainly could not have planned for myself- I’m reminded that it is God himself who orders my steps. He’s the one who knows exactly what I need and puts the plan into motion.

Did I mention Mary’s really a teacher, too?

Mary’s perseverance, dedication to piano, and her love for the Lord are all a testimony to me ; He’s using her in so many ways for His glory! Even though Mary pays me for piano lessons, I think she’s been just as much my teacher. And I’m grateful to God for all of the lessons.