At first reading, I was terrified. The musical piece was chock-full of key changes, various time signatures, and so many accidentals that my eyes started to cross.
I thought I would never master it.
The blurred lines began to come into focus after a month or two of practice, and my comfort level increased.
I was preparing for a performance at the end of this month – an informal, low-pressure venue for musicians to have the opportunity to play chamber music.
Before we even had our first rehearsal, one of the musicians in the trio bailed out. (and just when I was feeling like the piece was doable!)
After finding another musician to play with us, we then had to choose not one, but two new pieces of music to fill the time slot.
And thence came the huge challenge: learning 30 minutes of unfamiliar music in roughly three and a half weeks. I spent the first few days fending off the panic.
Never has this “I like to play chamber music for fun” pianist had to accomplish such a task.
I asked God for supernatural learning skills. I was desperate.
As I fretted and logged in the hours at the keyboard, my perspective began to shift.
Somehow I found myself thinking about – and praying for – all of the people I know who are struggling with trials in their lives which are devastating, even life threatening.
And suddenly, mastering some notes on a printed page became inconsequential by comparison.
In Jesus Calling, the message a few days ago was encouraging. Learn to appreciate difficult days. Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way. As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything.
Wow…what a perfectly timed message.
What, if anything, might you be facing right now? Has your life seemed to change course midstream? Or, is God asking you to make some significant changes that require a leap of faith?
Whatever your situation, know that He is there, reaching out His hand.
His presence is consistent, loving, for always, even when your personal landscape is dramatically altered.
I encourage you to share your concerns, challenges and fears with God, and ask Him for help.
For only He can help us navigate life’s twists and turns…
And provide the strength to handle whatever is before us.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:13
beWARM 
Toni, that was exactly what I needed to read at this moment. I really need to learn to give God my life’s twists and turns to navigate, because I’m so bad at doing it on my own. Thank you. You’re an inspiration!
Bunny
And so are you, Bunny!
Amen to that! May God give you wings on your fingers & may your heart soar!
Thank you, dear friend! It will be calming to have you turning the pages :)
…when all of our lives are ‘ringing’ in all different notes….
there you are…dear, precious friend..Toni girl…!
WOW…loved it…love the gift you have…keep sharing it…XO
I love that we can “harmonize” just when we need it, too…with His help! xo
Wow you are sending me the grace of God, as I read your latest, so I thank you!
And may your performance soar on these prayers. Thank you!! xo
Many thanks to you, MJ!
Hi Toni – wonderfully inspirational as usual! I spent this past weekend facilitating a reconciliation reunion between a friend and her children. All the way through it I was wondering what on earth I had gotten myself into and after reading your missive today, I’ve finally realized that I didn’t “get” into anything, it was God leading me THROUGH it! A little slow on the uptake for this chick!
What a wonderful awareness as you followed God’s leading! Thanks for sharing….
Isn’t God just SO good? It’s a joy to read how He brought you from a perspective of panic and self-doubt (don’t we wonder who brings THAT on us…!) to a position of change, redemption, peace – first and foremost with Himself and then with our circumstances. Your comparatively small trial is not inconsequential in His eyes at all (He loves you and all of us so deeply), but becomes the means he uses to show us more of Himself as the in-charge Lord of our lives. Thank you so much for sharing this blessing………
It’s such a blessing to be in touch again Toni. You will play beautifully as always! Always enjoyed your insights about life as well as our music while we played together. Thanks- Love, Lynne
Oh Lynne – it is wonderful to hear from you! I do miss our times together, when our sharing was just as important as our music!!!
Love to you and your family……
I can’t believe I’m just now catching on to your blog…lots of back reading to do:) This is awesome encouragement and a sweet reminder that His presence and love are for always, no matter what our personal landscape looks like. As you’ll be reminded soon, the Velveteen Rabbit also learns about how love lasts for always. xoxo