There are many people that influence our lives each day, don't you think? From family members, friends and colleagues to the bankteller, preschool teacher and the Tim Hortons cashier! Sometimes we don't even realize that people are influencing us until we have a quiet moment to reflect or see how something is said or done by someone else's giftings. That is what brought me to this place of a needed tribute. Long overdue I might add!
In previous posts, I have mentioned my 'twin' from those eventful, often comedic highschool years. Well years later, despite the geographical distance between us and thanks to highspeed internet (not to mention facebook, or wait, I did mention it!), we have re-connected. Years ago people used to think we were related somehow. Probably because of our love for music, short yet cute physique and of course our gorgeous eyes. What floored me then and still has me a little confused now, is that I was always fair and blonde, green eyes and she was dark skin, dark hair and brown eyes! Come to think of it, I think it was our stunning, contagious and bubbly personalities! Oh yeah, and our passion for Worship.
Anyway ... a tribute to her. Let me tell you how she has influenced my life over the years. First off, her dedication to piano training while in highschool. I remember her telling me that her mom didn't want her playing on the Senior Girls Volleyball team 'cause no broken thumbs were allowed when you were working on your piano degree. Needless to say, I played volleyball and prayed for no broken fingers, but then I wasn't workin on a piano degree either. Dedication ... something she had then and from what I see now, she still does!
Last year I was able to visit her out west and enjoyed an hour or so in her living room with both our boys playing. Her youngest is the same age as Buddy and it was fun to see them together. Not too mention that her son was wearing an outfit I also had back home! It was great just to see her smiling face and hear about her family. Her Italian husband - I have one of those too. Funny, eh? And somewhere in our Italian families we share a name or two, Giuseppe!
Recently, she started blogging. I was sooooo excited, 'cause I knew I could learn lots and be encouraged from her if only I could be in contact with her more often. Her blogs are always enjoyable to read. She gives me some great things to think about, shares about her fun, family life and gives me fabulous digi-scrap layout ideas.
Then today, her blog brought me back to what really connects me to and helps me relate to her at that heart level I think. She shared a video of herself doing what she loves best, worshipping at the piano.
The past year or so has been a tough one for me. The time I have spent at the piano worshipping has been very little, even nil for extended periods of time. However, recently I have come to spend quite a bit of time there. When I am singing and playing at the piano, every ounce of my being, every sense in my body is alive. I am trying to think of another time in my day where that occurs. I don't think there is one. Then I think of my son. Maybe when we are playing and enjoying each others presence ... nope. Still different. In those moments there is a piece of me that is still focussed on ME. When I am at the piano, there is only one audience. It is a moment of connection and adoration to the One who created me. Who I owe my life to. The reason I was created. Period. The reason I was created you ask? Yes. The ultimate, underlaying reason I breathe each day.
I have turned my back on Christ and walked through the fire (never realizing how bad it hurts until the other side) and through a reflection of those times, realized where my daily struggles begin. They begin when my worship is focused elsewhere. When my focus is on anything else but Christ. Don't get me wrong. I don't spend all day at the piano, getting nothing else done because I want to be "too spiritually minded to do any earthly good". But I am wanting to be aware of every situation I am in and wanting it to reflect my adoration of, commitment and worship to Christ.
So back to my 'twin'. Realizing our similairities, loving our differences, and watching her respond to life, has brought me to this point. A point of reflection. So with that, I say thank you. Thank you for your influence in my life. We may be miles apart, but your transparency, God-desired life and creative gifts have encouraged me beyond words. Thank you for being faithful, even in the hard, non-motivated days, to the One we worship. And thank you for allowing me to watch you grow in your faith and talents. I never realized years ago, that a day like this would come. You know what day I mean? The one where we are mature enough to appreciate and respect each other for the roles and opportunities we have in each others lives. Thank you Tawn. You are a gift from God.
To the rest of you ... sorry for the blab, but really. You should meet this girl! Wait you can ... Homemakin' Girl.
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