Of Sore Thumbs and Silenced Instruments

Dear Friends,

About three weeks ago, a minor road block was thrown into the midst of my path of productivity.  I was cooking dinner for myself on a Monday night, and in one of those unexpected slips of the hand, I sliced deep into my left thumb with my brand new (and very sharp, I might add) chef's knife.  Although I had hoped to avoid stitches, the wound would not stop bleeding, neither at home, nor in the emergency room, and therefore the doctor decided it would be best to suture it.  My first experience with laceration repair was not the most pleasant experience of my life to be certain (who knew three local injections of lidocaine in the thumb could be so painful!), but I survived. Then began the slow process of swelling, pain, and eventual healing.  As I have not been able to use my thumb for three weeks, I have thus not been able to do much playing on my instruments, or much of anything requiring this miraculous digit's expertise.  So, yet another delay.   We really take for granted little things like thumbs!  May I never again forget to give thanks for small miracles like being able to grasp a hairbrush or squeeze a tube of toothpaste. I am seeing progress, as tonight I played my piano for an hour (slowly and softly, mind you). I am hoping that in a couple of weeks my left hand will return to its regular nimble state!

In the meantime, I am getting some ideas for the upcoming recording and my excitement level is beginning to rise!  I'm looking forward to arranging some older pieces, and also, with heaven's inspiration, creating some new ones - all unified around a central theme that I will keep quiet for now.  We all need SOME surprises in life, don't we?

Until next time,

Melissa :)

Faith in Hard Times

Hi friends,

It's been a while since I've posted.  I took a bit of a hiatus from being online while I had some family visiting, and that was a nice reprieve.  I've also had a couple of other situations crop up lately that have interefered with me finishing my website, but I really hope to have something up shortly.

From the talks and e-mail discussions I have had with friends recently, it seems as if I can pull out one common thread:  almost everyone is enduring some kind of testing of their faith right now.  Whether it be health trials, job loss, relationship stress, or something else, it is almost as if everyone I know is going through the wringer in some aspect of their lives!  I'm trying to hang on to the scripture that says that the testing of our faith produces perseverance.  Sometimes, on the contrary, it seems as if testing of the faith produces perplexity and pain, rather than patience and perseverance.  But obviously, it's our choice of response to the testing that produces the fruit.  I pray for all of my brothers and sisters who are enduring fiery trials.  May your faith come forth as precious gold in the sight of the Lord.

I was reminded of a poem I wrote a few years ago, when enduring such a time of sadness and pain.  I hope it blesses someone.

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Teach Me to Sing
April 21, 2007 – Upon observing a house finch in my tree


Upon thee I gaze, my ethereal winged friend
Whose emancipated singing knows not an end

Whose sweet melodious tones now impart
A balm of comfort to my downtrodden heart

Thy warbling reflects love eternal, divine
A song to thy Creator, who dwells not in time

Blissful contentment in thy voice do I hear
A heart bounding with mirth, and free from all fear

For thou knowest, assured, that thou hast not a need
While thy Father, in diligence, thy mouth He will feed

In peaceful security thy feathers may rest
In His capable hands, thou buildest thy nest

Sweet ballad of joy, o so rich, o so pure
Unfolds such a trust, o so steady, so sure

That though the north wind carry tempest or rain
Without falter, the south wind shall soon blow again

Thy fair rosy colour is imbued with warm glow
For the Son on thee shineth, His care thou dost know

Dear friend, upon whom my eyes are now fixed
While my soul lieth valley and shadow betwixt

May my spirit, from thine innocence, wisdom now glean
Through thy beauty and simplicity, my Saviour be seen

May my heart learn the notes of thy glorious song
Then join in thy praise, and for eternity long

Where like thee I’ll fly on the wings of the wind
Forever be freed from the sadness and sin

That oft dampen, and keep this royal songbird from flight
Stealing her joy, and her songs in the night

Like thine air, free of striving, struggle and sorrow
May my heart never faint at the thought of tomorrow

But rather, like thee, full of freedom and grace
Today, in this moment, see His glorious face.

-Melissa Dittrich