Monday, July 28, 2008

Melodious Prayer

A crazy thought popped into my head tonight. I blame it on the weather; we had slightly cooler temperatures today, and at 10:00 tonight when I was watering my flowers, a breeze kicked up and I felt downright chilly. The air held a hint of fall, which is my favorite season, but which also makes me nostalgic and reflective in ways I can't even explain.

So, I thought, how awesome would it be if I could jump in my car, drive 10 hours to Dallas, arrive at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel, march myself in the front doors and past the amazing atrium, down the enormously long hall and past massive conference rooms, make a left down another hall, and then...ahhh. There it is. Tucked away in a corner, set back from where the throngs pass by, silently waiting for someone to come and bring it to life.

A white grand piano.

I spent many an hour here when I lived in this city 10 years ago. It was a sanctuary for me, a place where I would sit and play, letting the melodies roll from my fingers as I talked to God. Sometimes I would come, upset over boys or school or work. Or boys. Yeah, mostly boys. That old white piano has seen my tears, and heard unnamed refrains that only lived for the one time that they were played. Playing this piano, all alone in a big empty hall, became a way for me to pray and to worship. I always left with a little more peace than I had arrived with.

Tonight, I would settle for any piano. There are prayers inside of me that can only be expressed through music and that cannot escape until I trail my fingers across the keys and set them free. But in our little house, there isn't room for a piano...a fact which I have lamented many times.

It's ok, though. Someday I'll have one. And until then, my heart can still pray. And sing.

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His Eye is on the Sparrow
And I know He watches....me.

25 comments:

SmilingSally said...

Anyone who loves piano playing that much should have their own. I hope you get one soon!

IA. said...

It is comforting...the thought that His eyes are always on us, watching over us.

Music is indeed a gift, gets us through sad times, troubled times. Hope you get to have your piano one day soon!

Jules from "The Roost" said...

That is one of my favorite hymns. I would love to be sitting there listening to you play/sing....What a wonderful time of worship that would be:)

Jodie | Velour said...

Jackie, you are precious.
I hope your piano-dreams do come true!
I do have a piano, but I don't ever play it. I used to know how and I got this one from my mom's in hopes that I would re-teach myself and sit and sing and play with the kids but every time I sit and try to learn a song they flank me, one on each side, and insist on playing in their respective areas. Extremely frustrating. So I've had in for months... maybe over a year, and I still know no more than when I first got it. Maybe one day.
And I hope one day you have a Grand of your own. :)

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post. I hope that some day your dreams of having a piano come true.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post. I hope you get to play like that again soon!

Grace Acres said...

what a sweet post. I wish I had the talent to play, but I love to listen to others play as well.

Unknown said...

We do have a piano that also doesn't get played very much. Girl, you definitely need to get you a piano. Maybe, you should settle for something smaller like a recorder or harmonica?:)

Tracey said...

I LOVE THIS SONG! THE FIRST TIME I HEARD IT WAS ON THE MOVIE SISTER ACT 2! THANKS

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

Would you believe that fall is my most favorite time of year as well?? :) I love the energizing feeling you get when you smell autumn in the air - Do you think each season has a scent too or am I a little bit insane about that? I love deep reds, browns, oranges. getting out your favorite jeans and sweaters.. :)
I have a piano and love to play. I am not great at it and never did master all of the technical multitasking that must go on for it to sound so lovely. It is, however, a means to get me to the deepest worship I have experienced. I love music!! God uses it alot to draw me to Himself.
What a great thing for you to look forward to someday - your own piano! The one in Dallas sounds beautiful! Wish I could meet you there and hear you play!

Gretchen said...

Tell you what: you dream of having that beautiful piano, and I'll dream of your giving me lessons someday. :) Truly. I really want to learn. 'Course I'd need to be dreaming of getting a piano, too. But I promise, I won't take yours.

Blessings on the desires of your heart, and may God hear your musical prayers, piano or not. Hugs.

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

That was beautiful. I know just what you mean about Fall. It is my favorite too.

May God hear your prayers and give you peace.

Casey said...

This was beautiful. There is something about music that soothes the soul... but you already know what I think about that! :)

Carolina Mama said...

That is so sweet. What a neat piano and setting! I love piano and can appreciate this post particularly. May the Lord grant you your wish real soon. God Bless!

Anonymous said...

I wish I knew how to play. I hope that you get your piano some day soon. I just love the sound of it. How awesome would it be for you to teach your daughter?

Anonymous said...

I think music is such a great gift from the Lord!

Joni Streit said...

oh, Jackie... you just made me cry. Please share this desire in your heart with your sweet hubby. He doesn't know what he's missing to have you play ANYTIME you feel it! Hugs!

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

This was a beautiful post, Jackie. My heart wishes I had a white grand piano to give you.

Lisa said...

I'd love to sit and listen to you play!

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Well I've never learned to play an instrument, but you make me want to learn! I feel like I'm really missing something now! :-)

Thank you for visiting my blog. Feel free to lurk anytime, but I certainly enjoyed your comment!

I have enjoyed your little acre of bloggyland, too. I do plan on returning again in the near future!

Have a great day!

SarahHub said...

I love when a new season blows in -
Spring with her flowers and birds singing, Summer with the heat on my skin and sun blazing in the sky, Fall with crisp air, mesmerizing colors, and wind whipping the leaves around, and Winter when you see your breath for the first time and pure white snow blankets the ground.

I wish I could hear you play the piano. I love music, but am not gifted myself.

God has already heard the prayer in your heart!

Mamajil said...

Ohhh!!! your post is so sweet!! It made me think of my daughter Megan, the piano is her means of communication and prayer and worship with the Lord as well!!

Erin K. said...

Hey - I'm getting a piano in my new house! It is my parents' piano, the one I grew up playing, and I am excited to finally have a house that has room for it. So, whenever you get the urge, just hop in a plane and come on over to Indiana. You can play the piano to your heart's content! :-)

And thanks for the encouraging comment on my blog. I love how God uses the bloggy world to give me encouragement just when I need it!

Michelle@Life with Three said...

I think this is one of my favorite posts of yours, Jackie. It was so beautiful to read. And, that is my all-time FAVORITE hymn. Brings tears to my eyes and goose bumps to my skin every time I hear it.

Mozi Esme said...

Ah! I'm not much of a pianist, but I love playing hymns. I used to stay in the sanctuary at a former church and play after everyone else had left the building for lunch/potluck - I loved the grand piano and the echoes in the building.

No church like that here. I do have a keyboard, but it's not the same as a grand, for sure, and I never have time to practice without a little girl wanting to be on my lap. But I can sing too - thanks for the reminder!