I saw the piano as soon as I walked into the sanctuary for pre service prayer. A black grand piano is hard to miss. It was a Steinway but I knew that even before reading the name inscribed on the front. Steinway & Sons. The famous logo flooded me with old memories and unexpected tears.

My father and older brother Joe both worked for Steinway Piano Company in Astoria, New York for many years. My father’s work in the factory was his joy, his passion and his pride. After he retired at age 65, he remained enamored with all things Steinway and all things piano until he died at age 104.  Joe was a production  engineer but shaky economics and different management drove him out of the company. He became a consultant with foreign piano manufacturers and eventually developed his signature line of pianos- with my Pop’s unique advice and cooperation!

I often dreamed and prayed that one day I’d walk into church and there would be one of my brother’s beautiful pianos up front in the sanctuary, key board opened, elegant lid propped up , waiting for gifted hands to play. Joe would have loved to see one of his concert grands being used for the Lord’s glory.

The Steinway was an answer to my prayer for a piano at Mountain Life. Sometimes the Lord’s answers aren’t exactly what I pray for, but the fact that God heard, listened and did respond to this cry of my heart is immeasurably sweet. My tears were not for my father and brother who are both gone. My tears were out of gratitude. The indwelling Holy Spirit tells us that God loves us like a doting father . Such love will show up unpredictably to surprise and delight. But that’s not all for God always blesses far beyond the obvious.   God responded to my personal prayer while He also was unfolding something else.

The Steinway was in church because Mountain Life is one of the venues chosen for McCall’s Summerfest 2014. It hosts several concerts during the week long classical music festival.   All week the sanctuary fills with musicians and people who love music. The Steinway resounds throughout the church as different pianists practice.  The atmosphere is charged with gifted people who share their voices , their breath, their particular instruments. And while they may neither know nor admit to it, each talented, gifted man and woman is manifesting the gift God has put into them   in a house of worship!   Without understanding they bless  the Giver in His  chosen venue.   Our God’s ways continually amaze and delight my soul.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. 10” Isaiah 55:8-10.

There is more in God’s divine plan  for  this Steinway being in our church  which  is not yet  revealed.   Miracles take place when we least expect them to. My prayer is that the heart of each musician  opens  up to the Lord’s Presence moving and singing over them  like a Father crooning to His children . Lord God, may You be glorified through the  gift of music,  especially pianos!

EAG