Who Knew?
Who knew playing the piano could be so much fun?
Most every Sunday morning, Ronald and I lead a singing session with the residents of the assisted living facility where Mom spent her last days. Every time I played before Mom passed she would remind me, and everyone else, my playing was due to her saying, ‘Get back on that piano bench!’ I hear it in my head now and giggle. All those years of forced practice was NOT fun, but to be able to play for fun now is a joy! Especially when I get to play some old song like, ‘I’ll Fly Away’ and I get carried away with it!
U-turn.
Last week was baby dedication at church. What a special time! As pastor gave a challenge to parents, I reflected on my own views of parenting. Like my mother, I was a bit of a nag. (Understatement of the year…and the comment applies to both of us!)
I badgered my girls about their homework and to be really good students. I also hounded my daughters to practice their instruments. As a music teacher myself, nothing is more aggravating than having a music student not practice!
I made sure they knew how to do their own laundry. Sewing skills were part of their education. Cooking – ehh – they learned that elsewhere because they are all good cooks.
Those were all things my own mother guided me to learn or made me do consistently enough to become habits. As I looked around my sewing room today, Mama’s stitchery adorns several walls, dolls made by my great-grandmother sit on the cabinet, and doll quilts made by my grandmother are reminders of my heritage. I was blessed.
Another part of my own life that has proved to be long lasting and beneficial has been passed down by my ancestors, to my own girls, and now to their children. The picture above talks about the most important thing my mama ever taught me. Knowing God’s love from childhood is unquestionably the best thing she (and Daddy) could have instilled in my life.
Yeah, I don’t always do things right, let God’s love shine through, or let the joy of the Lord be my strength. But I am keeping on keeping on because even when I forget or disregard the lessons I’ve learned, God is always faithful to be my guide and teacher.
There are so many verses on God’s teaching skills. Thankfully, He is not a nag but is a very good, and kind, and super patient teacher! I’m listing a few verses. I hope you take time to think on them. I’m going to.
Proverbs 1:7-9 gives the basic beginning. ‘How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord!’ TLB
The rest of that chapter and the preceding verses give the way to follow God’s instructions and the reasons behind them. The whole of Proverbs and indeed the Bible is chocked full of ways to have a blessed life and bring glory to God.
The whole of Psalm 32 is outstanding, but sink your teeth into verses 7 and 8. ‘You are my hiding place from every storm of life; You even keep me from getting into trouble! You surround me with songs of victory. I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress.’
Verses 10 and 11 give a final comment and challenge. ‘Abiding love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. So rejoice in Him all those who are His, and shout for joy, all those who try to obey Him.’
Blessings to all.
Kara Beth
