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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Melody (08/24/06)

TITLE: And He Smiled
By Rachel Rudd
08/30/06


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“Would you be willing to play piano during services?” My pastor questioned as he munched on a cookie.

“Sure, I’d like to do that. In fact, I’ve wondered if God would give me the chance one day. But I don’t know if I can play skillfully enough. My husband thinks that I need more practice.”

“Well, how about we give it a try next Sunday and see how it goes? If it goes well, then you can continue. We have been praying for over a year for someone to play the piano.”

“Okay, but I’m not promising any miracles.”

****************************
My fingers played chords in the air while my heart beat in tempo. The desire to worship burned a song into my thoughts.

Here I am to worship.
Here I am to bow down.
Here I am to say that you’re my God.


Before the service began, I practiced along with the other musicians. The lone guitarist and two vocalists expanded to include a pianist…me. My fingers lashed at the black and white keys in rhythm.

Let your glory fall in this room.
Let it go forth from here to the nations.


“Whoops, sorry about that. Should the last chord be a C or C-minor?”

“Okay, that’s the last song,” my Pastor proclaimed. “We will begin the service in about five minutes. Are you all ready to play?”

Questions rotated in circles around my head. Could I keep up with the rhythm and tempo? Would anyone notice if I made a mistake? Could I play in front of all these people? Five minutes passed at the speed of lightning. It was time to play.

Volume control is the best technology an electric keyboard has. For the first few songs, the notes I hit were just above a whisper. I joined with the children lifting their voice in praise.

Jesus’ love is so wonderful.

My clumsy fingers sought desperately to keep up with the pace. When I began playing “I’m trading my sorrows” a beautiful voice echoed across the room. My daughter sang an affirmation with all her heart.

I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord.
Yes, Lord. Yes Lord. Yes, Yes Lord.


As my fingers touched the keys in groups of three’s, each chord expressed a tone of love. I fumbled to make the right combination during the verses.

But He came.

Let your presence rest in this place.

A seat was offered to Him. While He sat on the front pew and listened, I played melodies of love for Him. A resonance of adoration surrounded Him. I looked at Him to see what He thought of my music.

And He smiled.









“Here I am to Worship” Lyrics by Tim Hughes, © 2001 Thankyou Music (ASCAP/PRS).
“Let your Glory Fall” Lyrics by David Rues Copyright © 1993 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing.
“I’m Trading My Sorrows” Lyrics by Darrell Evans Copyright © 2006 ChristianLyricsOnline.com


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This article has been read 690 times
Member Comments
Member Date
Cynthia Green08/31/06
I have these exact feelings every time I'm asked to play. And I always try to shut myself in with God and play for Him. And you're right. I think he smiles. A visiting evangelist told me when I was ten, "Do your best and let God do the rest." I always try to remember that when Satan comes at me with my inadequacies. This is a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing.
Lynda Schultz 08/31/06
Lovely! Wonderful expression and a super lesson to remember.
Kaye Petts09/04/06
This is great! I am also part of a music ministry group and to be honest, we never feel like we are good enough. What I really loved is how you knew that God was smiling...that's all we need. Great writing and what a wonderful idea to incorporate praise and worship lyrics. Keep writing and God Bless, Kaye
Sharlyn Guthrie 09/05/06
What a great formula for success: prayer, practice, and resting in His presence! Thanks for your well-crafted encouragement to all budding musicians.


   
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