She said, "Stifling or squashing a natural expression detracts from one's personality.".
I've seen this first hand in my own life. I like music and I like to play the piano. I know that my piano playing isn't the best. My husband has a better ear for tune than I do so it's been hard for me to play in his presence because of the criticism I know he will often give. (Sometimes I need it.) So for a while I refused to play at all thinking I wasn't good enough to play the piano that sat in my home. I realized I was making myself miserable, so now I often play when I know that criticism won't be forthcoming. Sometimes I have played when he is listening and when Jeff has said it sounded good or he came to sing with the hymns I was playing I found it encouraging. When I can sit down and play for fun, to relax, or help vent some frustration I am no longer stifled.
I'm also teaching Kent and Katy to play the piano and I enjoy hearing them when they realize that something they thought was hard is no longer hard for them. Jeff likes to play the guitar and we sing praises to God as a family. I enjoy listening to his practicing as well, knowing that he is enjoying the talent God has given him.
"Whether in music, or other things, one never knows what surprisingly satisfying things God has in His plan for the developed talent which is literally 'given' to Him to use or lay aside."
Is God using the music talent he has given me to serve him?
The Psalmist used the talent God gave him in penning the words of Psalm 45. Psalm 45:1 says, "My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer."
I'm linking up with:
These Five of Mine (plus two)
The Modest Mom
Suanna,
ReplyDeleteHere are some verses that are music to my ears these are in groups of 3 verses together. 1 Chronicles 16:23-25 (KJV) 23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. 24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3 (KJV) 1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. Psalm 98:4-6 (KJV) 4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. 5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. 6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. Psalm 33:1-3 (KJV) 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. 2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. 3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. DAD
I am glad you started playing the piano more often, and are sharing your skill, talent and love of music with your husband and children. It really does bless! I enjoyed the verse you posted. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy girls are both learning and it is such a blessing to hear the little songs as they master them! Keep playing...there is worship in the offering!
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