The Piano Taught Me To Be

I fought having a piano for years. Why? Many reasons, all of them fairly selfish. I knew they would play it endlessly and the sound would drive me crazy. That, and they take violin lessons. We are violinists, not pianists, darn it! These are the main reasons, silly, I know.

Child #2 has begged for a piano for so long, I can't even remember when she started. Probably the very day she began playing the violin. Several months ago, she took matters into her own hands and decided to teach herself. On my childhood piano at my mom's house. She picked a popular song and sat, and sat, and sat until she worked out the notes. Now when she plays this song, it's lovely.

So, I went against all the demands that I have previously made, and ushered the piano in. I moved furniture, I rearranged, I made a special place for this musical instrument that I have long deterred. It arrived 2 weeks ago.

And, you know? They do play it endlessly. And it does drive me crazy. But, I'm holding my mouth shut and letting them enjoy. It's a very un-like thing for me to do. Patience is something I rarely attempt.

And then. Oh, and then. The other night, I turned the corner of the room and found Child #1 sitting down to sing while Child #2 played. Time became still and the moment felt reverent. I simply watched and memorized each second. I wanted to take the memory and wrap it tight around my skin. It felt that perfect.

But perfection rarely lasts long. Within a minute it was over and done. Everyone stood and moved on to other things. Probably the continuation of an argument. But, I held the moment. I still do.

This is the season for a frenzied pace. More so than regular life. Often times, there isn't a whole lot we can do to turn it all down a notch. Gifts still have to be bought, errands run and Christmas cards won't mail themselves. But amongst all the Doing, we can find a lot of Being. Peace can come amisdt the crazy. We simply need to Be in the moment. To grasp the Quiet and the Still when they arrive unexpected. And when they do, just Be. Hold the moment and let it fill your Being. It just might make you come alive.

You may not need a piano to find your silent night. Or, maybe you do. Regardless, may you find what your soul is looking for. It's around the corner, sitting on a bench, singing along with sweet music.