Daily Devotional for March 30, 2022

 
Prior to having back surgery, I was very worried – not about the procedure or the physical recovery.  I was worried about Shannon being with me twenty-four hours a day for weeks.
 
While I knew she would be an excellent nurse, my concern was if she had to spend all that time with me, she might figure out she got the shorter end of the stick when she married me.  I didn’t want her to rethink her decision.
 
To keep out of Shannon’s hair and give her a well-deserved daily break, I decided to teach myself how to play the piano.  It has been a fascinating journey.
 
Sitting in front of the keyboard with a self-help book, learning to read music, and trying to keep track of which finger, on which hand, was to play which key, was incredibly humbling.  I truly felt like a bull in a china cabinet.
 
The good news is It has been very easy to stay disciplined about practice because the furthest Shannon is allowed to drive me is the hospital.  I don’t want to go to the hospital, so I’ve been pretty much stuck at home with nothing to do. 
 
During my convalescence, I have only missed two days of practicing.  But missing those two days taught me something.
 
In just a small time, forty-eight hours, I noticed my ability to read music had diminished, and it took me much longer to figure out which finger, on which hand, played which key.  It was easy to see I wasn’t as sharp as I should have been.
 
This taught me, if I was going to improve, it was something I would need to do every day.  The same is true with hearing God.
 
The more you work on your relationship with God, the easier it will be to hear the Holy Spirit speak to the circumstance of your life.  
 
Take time to draw closer to the One who brings peace during the storm, healing where there is pain, and a fulfilling life in the midst of our shallow world’s priorities.
 
Pray, read the Bible, worship with other believers, and find a way to make this world a better place.  If you are intentional and disciplined, you will be amazed how much easier it is to hear God.
 
Prayer:   Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me recognize your voice.  Let me hear your message.  Give me the resolve to follow your lead.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
Just for the record, the way I play the piano reminds me of how the psalmist says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”  (Psalm 100:1)
 
My piano playing would qualify more as noise than music.  But, just for the record, I do play a mean Mary Had a Little Lamb.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins