God is amazing--in so many ways! Tonight I’m thinking
in particular of the way He leads when we can’t see clearly to make out the
path ahead. I want to share the following testimony on how God has lead in a
particular area in my life with the hope that it can be an encouragement to
others who might be facing something similar. This was God’s answer for me and
the way He worked in my life. The details of your story won’t be the same, but
God does have a plan for you and He will work it out if you wait on Him!
It was about two years ago that I wasn’t sure what I
was supposed to do with violin. Should I continue taking lessons? Should I stop
playing altogether and move on to something else? Were there any opportunities
for me to use my playing to bless others? Should I teach? Should I form a
little group to play with? I faced a lot of confusion and uncertainty whenever
I tried to seek God's will in this area. What did God want me to do?
Fast forward two years . . .
I’ve officially been teaching violin (and piano) for a
year and a half now and I’m planning to get certified as a Suzuki violin
teacher next summer if things continue to unfold for that. I’m taking ten of my
sixteen students to two nursing homes next weekend to do a Thanksgiving
program. I feel so blessed and fulfilled in being the one to help these
children discover the beauty of music. My life has been bettered in so many
ways through the experience of being a teacher!
Two and a half years ago, I found out about Anabaptist
Orchestra Camp through a friend. That is part of what set my course concerning
the violin. I knew I wasn’t stopping after I went there the first year! So many
of my dreams have been fulfilled through AOC and I’m grateful for those who
birthed that vision and those who have helped to carry it out!
My older sister plays harp, and she and I have been
working toward a goal of going to a nursing home once a month to play. Our
desire is that we will be able to be a bit of hope and light in some hopeless
and dark lives. It is more blessed to give than to receive, so we want to share
what we've been given through the gift of music.
Two months ago, my violin teacher asked me to play in
a concert that she does with friends every December. We’ve been practicing for
just over a month now, and it’s been wonderful to play with other musicians who
enjoy music as much as I do and are committed to practicing, rehearsals, and
whatever it takes to make the concert a success!
My teacher is also working with some of her younger
students in an ensemble setting, and she invited my younger sister (who I’ve
been teaching) to participate and asked me to help lead one of the little
groups within the ensemble. The experience has combined three of my favorite
things when it comes to music: playing with others, sight reading, and . . .
the simple joy of making music!
In December, I’ll be playing Christmas music at a
local church on Christmas Eve. My teacher told me about the opportunity and
said that she couldn’t do it and asked if I would like to. I was nervous as
I’ve never done anything like that before, but I went and met with them and
they said they’d like to have me. So . . . I’m going to do it!
Several of the things I’m involved in right now are
short term, and I don’t know what (if anything) will take their place in the
coming months. However, I do know how God has directed me for now, and I know
that He will continue to lead and unfold my path before me as I follow Him!
So how did I get from A to B, from confusion and
uncertainty to certainty, fulfillment, and joy? One big thing that happened is
that God used my parents to answer
questions, give input, and help guide me. I know I wouldn't be at where I am
today if it weren't for my wonderful parents! God also tested my faith during
this journey. Often I would step out, not knowing exactly where I was going, but
God was always there to confirm my direction or shut the doors. As long as I
stayed closely connected to Him, I knew I could trust Him to do that!
