As a musician, I’ve received many comments and opinions about my abilities, people’s taste, etc., over the years. Church folk love to “bless” musicians with unsolicited opinions.

The two most head scratching came as a result of listeners feeling like they needed to tell me something after being moved during a Sunday service or if they’ve not seen me in a few years and wanted to inquire “where are you now?”

The latter scenario has often included some version of “If you don’t use your talents, God will take them from you.” They, usually older ladies with a need to set me straight, mean well, I suppose. But their well meaning has yet to be motivational.

But the one that seemed most odd was this one: “You missed your calling.” More than once, I’ve been told this because my current job title didn’t include “Worship,” “Music,” “Choir,” or “Pianist.” There really isn’t a response to that comment worth offering, but it seems rather obvious that somehow in the last hour it’s possible I didn’t.

December 1st I got several comments that erased, or at least, countered such past comments. Interestingly, they didn’t follow a church service. The event was a Friday night Christmas fundraising dinner. Throughout the evening, four coworkers joined me to share songs-some familiar, some new, all celebrating the beginning of the season.

Three memorable conversations followed. One gentleman reminisced about his mother’s playing and how he wished he had learned to play. Another man wanted to introduce me to his wife, a long-time piano teacher, who noticed elements of our performance that only a pianist would commend. No judgment. Pure appreciation.

But the one that I’ll most remember came from an unexpected source. Another coworker that I had no idea had any musical past offered this response: “You have inspired me to get out my piano.”

Whatever talent you have, it’s inevitable your sharing of it will draw remarks. Let the judgments go. Cherish and hold those that encourage you to share again.

(A graphic copied from a friend’s Facebook post)

Photo by Alan Liu on Unsplash