Playing the piano

Many people have been very surprised when they heard that I was dropping out of my chaplaincy program, partly because of the love and enthusiasm I demonstrated toward it. An illustration came to me today that really demonstrates why I have decided to make this change.

While I was growing up, I took piano lessons for about 6 years. The interesting thing about that is that we didn't have a piano, we had an organ. So all my practicing, for 6 years, I did on an organ. It worked pretty well, except for occasionally not having all the notes available. When I went to academy (high school for any non-Adventists), I had the opportunity to play on an actual piano all the time (although I wasn't taking lessons anymore). I very quickly discovered how much emotion and feeling you can put into a piece simply by varying the volume. On an organ, the volume is controlled not by how hard you press the key, but by a foot pedal. This discovery made a HUGE difference in my piano playing. I was able to put a lot more expression and emotion into my playing. I have also since discovered (by listening to masters of organ playing) the differences and strengths that an organ has over a piano. They are similar instruments, but each has its own strengths and areas of use.

I realized that I was again trying to play the piano on an organ. I was trying to do counseling as a chaplain. The two fields are similar, but they each have their own strengths and purposes. It's not that I was not able to be happy or make a difference, but I was not accomplishing the intended purpose of that field. The music I played on the organ was beautiful and enjoyable, but it was not as beautiful or enjoyable as it could have been if I was playing it on a piano with all of its strengths or if I had been playing it on an organ utilizing all the differences and strengths that an organ offers. In the same way, I should choose a career in which I am able to utilize all of the abilities and opportunities it affords, not just the one that is the most convenient.

I don't regret taking piano lessons on an organ (just like I don't regret my time as a chaplain). I know my family couldn't afford a piano, and the organ was a family heirloom that was given to us. I am grateful for the experience, even if it wasn't ideal. And even if I don't play the piano very often anymore, I am grateful for the skills I learned and the opportunity for expression that it was for me. Maybe when I'm all done with schooling I will have time to play again. But in regards to my career, I'm going to stick with the field that allows me to fully utilize my gifts and passions.