October 28, 2024
“ Sing to the Lord a new song! Play your best with joyful shouts! ~ Psalm 33:3 CEB
I was sitting in my office at church on Wednesday morning, surprised by the sounds of piano music on a Wednesday morning. I discovered that Emily Koon and Patty Snarr were rehearsing piano duets for Advent music in the sanctuary. They asked if they were disturbing me. No! Not at all! I felt like I was sitting in the lobby of a fine hotel sipping a cup of hot chocolate and smelling the fresh scent of a Christmas tree.”
It was quite amazing to feel tears spring to my eyes, my breathing slowing, my body relaxing, simply because of the familiar music melodically coming from the piano. There was such beauty in that moment, tapping into memories from my childhood as I sat in worship on Advent Sunday mornings. It was like being in heavenly peace for those moments.
I suggested to Becky that we ask them to practice in the sanctuary every work day. That suggestion made Emily and Patty glow with pleasure, although they politely declined the invitation. Maybe there is a mutuality in compliments that bring smiles to the giver and the receiver. It was a holy moment.
There is something calming and healing about piano music being played in unexpected places, like the airport in Charlotte, NC, a random train station in France, in department stores, malls, and hospital lobbies. I’ve experienced all of those in my lifetime. Imagine what it would be like to have a pianist playing Silent Night at a polling place, a high school cafeteria, an emergency room, or a prison block?
Pay attention. You might hear music. I can guarantee you will if you come to worship at 11 am on Sundays. With thanks to Emily and Pattie. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 