Sometimes, while playing a piece during a lesson, I suddenly stop and hold a chord and ask Michael “Does that sound right?” To me, the sound resulting from these notes being played sounds wrong. I feel like I must be pushing a wrong pedal or key. In reality, these notes are being played correctly and are dissonant.
Dissonance is when the combination of 2 or more notes sound off or wrong. Dissonance has it purposes and will usually resolve pleasantly. During my last lesson, Michael explained that I need to trust the composer when I hear dissonance as the composer intentionally included it. If I were to keep playing, instead of freezing I would hear the resolution.
This conversation reminded me of problems in life. Our problems are like dissonance. Just as dissonant notes sound wrong, our problems can be (and usually are) troubling (otherwise they would not be problems). God, the composer of our lives, can be trusted to help resolve our problems (in His way, of course). Sometimes, we make up our own notes, instead of playing those that God intended for us, which can lead to even more problems.
It would seem fitting to end this post with a trust Bible verse. I have been a Christian since a young age, but I’m struggling to remember a trust God verse at the moment. Instead of copying/pasting a random verse, feel free to insert your favorite “trust” Bible verse here or visit Bible Gateway and search on trust.
My mom likes this verse: Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
What is your favorite trust verse?
Heidi Bender writes about her experiences of learning to play the organ. She started on the adventure in 2009.
She also writes on her website Tons of Thanks, which helps people write thank-you notes. Heidi is also a cat lady who writes at The Joy of Cats.
Heidi,
I love your blog and especially your comparison to dissonance and our problems in this post! I read January – March of 2012 so far. I have some catching up to do.
Ellen
Interesting analogy! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lanie. thanks for reading my blog. I just looked at your beekeeping blog. I have honey bees living in one of my trees!