CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK’S POST
“Why don’t we go over to the university after dinner?” Emily asked.
Michael’s gaze searched Emily’s. “I’m tired. I’m not sure I’m up to it.”
“After the day you had, it will make you feel better. It always does.”
“Yes, but you and Mia don’t have to go along. It’s cold out, and…”
“Nonsense,” Emily interrupted. “I haven’t heard you play in a while, and it’s good for Mia and me to get out of the house. Dr. Rivers did say you could use the piano any time.”
Michael stared at his wife in wonder. How did she always seem to know exactly what he needed?
After dinner, the small family made their way over to the university and Michael unlocked the door to the music room. He moved toward the practice piano, but Emily held out a hand to stop him. “Go to the auditorium.”
“There might be people around,” Michael protested.
“So what? They’ll enjoy the music. I think you should work out your stress on the baby grand. You’ve always loved the acoustics in that room. Mia and I will sit in the back. You’ll hardly know we’re there.”
Sure enough, after a few minutes of warming up, Michaels’ fingers traveled up and down the keys with a mind of their own, and he lost himself in the music.
After working through the day by way of a few concertos, Michael wrapped up his impromptu stress therapy session to light applause. Flustered, he gazed out over the auditorium to find not only Emily and Mia beaming at him, but Dr. Rivers and another man he did not recognize clapping for him.
The two men moved toward the front of the auditorium.
“Michael, it’s lovely to hear you play again. How I wish you’d do more with your talent,” Dr. Rivers said. He turned toward the gentleman to his right. “Andre, Michael here is the best pianist in the county. Maybe even the state. I tried to recruit him for the symphony orchestra, but he’d have none of it.”
Michael’s cheeks warmed. “I have a family. I can’t be on the road all the time.”
Andre leaned toward Michael. “What of a job closer to home?”
Michael took the hand the man offered. “I’m not sure I understand. Yes, I have a local job.”
“Playing the piano?” Andre asked.
“No…”
“You play as if the piano is a part of you.”
Trying to brush off his embarrassment, Michael waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I do love to play, but I don’t have much time these days.” He moved toward Emily and Mia with a wistful glance back at the piano, but Andre wasn’t finished speaking.
“This is not typically the way I do things, but tell me, young man, if you were able to make a living playing the piano without traveling, how would that sound?”
Michael raised his eyebrows. “It would sound like heaven.”
“Our pianist recently resigned. We’re looking for a replacement. As you likely know, we have an extensive choral program as well as a rather renowned musical theater department. Between rehearsals and performances, it is a full-time position with benefits. If you’re interested, meet me back here tomorrow morning at 9:00.” He handed Michael a business card and strode out of the auditorium.
Michael stared, open-mouthed, as Andre exited. Dr. Rivers draped an arm around his shoulders, and Emily and Mia rushed to his side.
“Well, son, I prayed this day would come for you.”
Emily practically bounced with excitement. “This is what you always dreamed of doing.”
Michael hesitated. “Well, yes, but we’ll have to see what the salary would be.”
Dr. Rivers dropped his arm and turned to face Michael. “I’m sure it will be fair, and quite frankly, if you need to pick up a little extra, you can always fill in for church services and weddings on the weekends. The last pianist never complained about the money. I’m sure Andre will answer all your questions in the morning.” With that, he also exited the auditorium.
Michael watched Dr. Rivers exit as well, and then turned toward Emily and Mia. Mia reached out her pudgy arms to him. “Dada music.”
“Yes, baby girl, Dada music. God is good.”
Matthew 7: 11
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Dear Lord, You created us and have given us all gifts. Help us to use those gifts to serve You. The only way to be at perfect peace is to be in the center of Your will. Please help us find our way to that place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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