0184. Praise Him on the Piano

(Note: I wrote this in Chinese first then translate. So please excuse me if the writing is not fluent.)
I have been neighbour with music since I was little, especially church music. I was in the church children choir in kindergarten and elementary, and attend adult church choir from junior high. My mother sent me to children music class and two years of piano lessons. I wasn't enjoyed playing at that time and never thought I will start my piano service in church from grade 6. I remembered Sunday school didn't have a teacher who could play piano at service. So they asked me, who was only grade 6 and had no clue what service is about, to play. Even though I am not always singing or playing since then, music is still one of my favourite past time activities. That is because I have understood one thing since my elementary that singing is a happy thing to do which can get rid of bad mood.

Hymns and other church songs were my help when I was away from home for my undergrad study. I often did my math homework in my dorm while having CD or radio playing. Sometimes, I would worship with CD. Those music and worship not only helped me study in clearer mind, but also comfort the lonely and lost feeling. I learnt quite a number of songs at that period of time, and understood that those music and worship help me get closer to God, put away my own opinion easier, and happier. The new idea about playing piano was established there as well.

One day, I was looking around in the local Christian bookstore. There was a CD caught my eyes. The title is "Praise Him on the Piano". That moment I knew that is what I am going to do -- Praise Him on the Piano for the rest of my life! I guess you could say it is a call from God. From that point on, I love to play piano more, not for the services but really want to praise through playing. I started to enjoy and treasure those playing times. Sometimes, I would open a hymn book and play. Maybe some worship after playing a hymn. Sometimes, I would let my fingers go freely on the keys, playing melody that came out. I don't have piano or keyboard after moving back to Taiwan for work. Therefore, I often want to occupy the piano for a while when I have a chance. And usually, I don't have any music sheet with me too. Now memorization is a good thing, thanks to a brother who encouraged us that we should be able to play all the songs without music sheet, which we can sing. Thus, I memorize some hymns on purpose. (But I didn't memorize fully my favourite two songs. I guess because I rarely play them.)

I love to hear Sister Gerta play. Her playing is always good. Several of us asked her once how come she could play so well. We were thinking the skills. But Sister Gerta only told us to seek God earnestly. Well, we didn't know how to ask more when we got this standard answer. I knew she is right though. Music has tremendous impact on people. All the thoughts and emotion of player will be expressed out through music playing. Thus, playing any instrument is enjoyed not only by the player but also whoever heard. And therefore, I might have helped others when I worship or service through praising God on the piano. It's been over ten years since I started practice inner life. My skill might not get any better but I know my praise on piano will go deeper whenever I close to God more. I often pray to God that let my playing become others' blessing. Oh how I wish I have a piano or keyboard right now!

No matter what happened in the future, I will always praise Him on the piano! My favourite way of praise ^^

Note: Published in the newsletter of ShiLin Zion Church, 2010 Aug edition

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