Five Minute Friday: Gift

If only I could play by ear.

This is something that’s said aloud too often, bemoaning what I think I’m lacking in my life. Music is one of my gifts. I grew up juggling piano and violin lessons with rehearsal times and homework. I’m able to sight-read music, even on the spot, if necessary. As long as I have something to play from, I am safe.

But to play by ear? That gift is not mine.

For a while, I felt incomplete. How could I be unbalanced, having capabilities to read but not to play by ear? While I’m always willing to accompany various groups and friends, if there’s no sheet music (yes–even guitar chords are workable) then I cannot help you.

But God! When we’re ready to listen, He always has a timely word.

The Lord will withhold no good thing for those who do what is right. (Psalm 84:11b, NLT)

I wasn’t incomplete at all!

It’s just that playing by ear is a gift that He chose not to give me. God doesn’t have justify this to me either. I need to accept that He knows why and that it’s the best thing for me. This is part of a growing faith. If I stop complaining about what I don’t have, I can appreciate the gifts that I do have.

I can read music. I can sight-read music on the spot. I know people who struggle with reading even simple music without rehearsing it first or hearing a recording of the song.

God is good!

He doesn’t hold back any of the goods. If you find yourself wondering why you think this or that is missing from your life, it may be because it’s not good for you.

God loves us too much to let us wallow in things that are not good for us.

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{I’m linking up with Kate and Karen this week.}

Amy

‘If I stop complaining about what I don’t have, I can appreciate the gifts that I do have.” <—– This is where I want my heart to be.
http://www.lilthisandthat.com/ Latonya_lilthisandthat

“If I stop complaining about what I don’t have, I can appreciate the gifts that I do have.” Truly appreciate this quote! It’s so easy to get lost in the what ifs when we have all that we really need and more. Be blessed, Sabrina!
http://livingingraceland.me Debby Hudson

Oh, I can feel you on this! I can read music, always scored well on sight reading in high school band but…..I can barely sing a song I know well without music accompaniment. Most of the time, you’d never recognize the song! It is not my gift But God has blessed me and he has definitely given you a gift that you love and share. Very glad you shared this as we all can get caught up in the comparison game. Stopping by from FMF.
Amy

Your blog brought tears to my eyes, bcs I’m in the exact same boat (except I play the flute). Can do anything but play by ear (and yes, guitar chords are like the bare essentials)! 😉 Have often found myself playing the comparison game w/the other musicians at church and it does nothing to cultivate that heart of worship and instead breeds discontent. Needed your words tonight to help remind me of what is most important. Thank you!!!
http://ruthemarriott.wordpress.com/ Ruth Marriott

Isn’t that a true word!? Yes, too easy to compare ourselves and wish we could do what they can do, all the while losing sight of what we have to offer. Thanks for the reminder. #fmfparty
Tara Ulrich

Music is definitely not one of my gifts. Thank you for sharing your gifts of music! God is indeed God. I think about how all through Genesis and the creation story he creates and finishes by saying “It is good.”