And Now For Something Completely Different

"And Now For Something Completely Different" Does anyone remember that line? It was the usual segue from one sketch to another on Monty Python. Loved that show!

After I came to Christ many years ago, I wanted very much to sing and play hymns in worship of Jesus. I had no formal training, but was able to pick up piano by ear very quickly. I very much enjoyed playing; it was my gift of worship to Jesus and it was very personal. At some point, I was asked to use this gift to lead worship for my church. Intially, this was a good thing and very enjoyable, but that all changed when the church leaders decided they wanted to go in a newer style and be the first on the block to debut new songs put out by a certain ministry that shall not be named. For three years, I accommodated and worked hard to learn the new songs. When hubby took a job in another area, it was a relief to be able to stop, but the damage had been done ... I lost that love of playing for the Lord. It had become a job and the pressure killed my love for music. Or so I thought.

I've been looking at other instruments for some time now, primarily a dulcimer and autoharp. Lo and behold, there is a major autoharp festival this week in our area. All connections have been made and there's a rental harp with my name on it waiting for me at the beginners' workshop tomorrow. I think my love of music isn't dead, the wound suffered is healed and I'm ready to move on, with great excitement! Simple hymns are swirling in my head again, along with lovely little folk tunes, ready to be sung when I get this harp in my hands.

Blessed be the Lord.