Want to Know, Hear and “Be With” Your Heavenly Father?

Practice vs. Perfectionism. “Doing as you are told” verses “being with”.

Mother wanted us to be refined, so we got music lessons. I was raised near some of the world’s best ski resorts, but never learned to ski. Instead, our home was filled with music, two pianos, several violins, an organ and a couple of melodicas (which is a handheld keyboard played by blowing air into a mouthpiece).

We practiced.

Every day.

We practiced every day. It took a long time to get better at music.

Sometimes it was fun. Sometimes it felt boring. Sometimes it felt hard.We learned simple songs at first. Gradually the pieces became more technical and difficult.

My heart soared when I could play a difficult, but beautiful song well. I would play it over and over. If it had words to it, I would sing along with my playing. Mother had a beautiful soprano voice. She told me that singing was one way she soothed away stress. Dad sang fun little songs, some of which he made up. It brightened our home.

I like to memorize hymns and children’s songs. It can take me a long time to memorize a song, but then I have it at my fingertips when I want to bring myself joy.

Have you ever learned a musical instrument, or a sport, or a skill that took a lot of practice?

Getting to know, hear and be with Heavenly Father takes a lot of daily practice.

It takes a desire and a decision.

Do you want to connect with and be with your all-loving, all-knowing, all-powerful Heavenly Father?

How can you make practicing fun instead of feeling like you have to get it perfect right now?

How can you be with the music instead of having to get it right?

Do you like to be with people who love, accept, encourage and inspire you? Do you want to ask your questions to people who are really smart and truly know the correct answer and have your best interest in mind? Your Heavenly Father is that person.

Think of a toddler learning to walk. Your Heavenly Father is the loving parent across the room, reaching His arms toward you, smiling and encouraging you to take a step. He doesn’t yell at you when you fall. He claps and rejoices that you took a step. He lets you rest in His arms until you are ready to try taking another step.

Enjoy being with Him.

When I practiced piano or violin I got easily distracted. I would whack a sibling with my violin bow or look out the window instead of at the piano keys.

Staying focused comes more easily when I have a powerful desire and clear decision. I can remind myself, daily, “I really do want to know, hear and be with my loving, powerful, wise Heavenly Father today. I want to be with Him throughout the day. It makes my life brighter and lighter.”

Have fun practicing!