Playing By Ear

Playing by Ear

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

Matthew 11:15

One of the avocations I enjoy is music. I love to sing, and I can play by ear almost any instrument from which I can get a sound. I don’t know how I do it; I just can. It’s a gift from God—one I treasure. I’m no great musician, you understand; but I enjoy making music all the same.

When I was about six years old, we had dinner at the home of some family friends. In their den was an antique pump organ, and I was fascinated by it. My dad—also a musician—sat down at the old organ, started pumping away, and played a few familiar songs. I was hooked!

After Dad stopped playing, it was my turn, but I was too little to sit on the piano stool and reach the pumps and the keyboard at the same time. So I pushed the stool back, stood on the pumps, held on with my left hand under the keyboard, and played with my right hand. The grand piece I played by ear was “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” My dad and his friend thought it was hilarious and laughed their heads off.

Dave Roever, a very funny performer, gives a new twist to the idea of playing by ear. When he says he plays by ear, he really means it. He has a prosthetic ear, which he can put on or take off at will. He tells his audience that he will play the next piece by ear; then he takes off his ear and proceeds to play with it in his hand—he’s playing by ear. It’s a crowd favorite.

As Christians, we need to live by ear—to listen intently to the Word of God and apply its timeless lessons to our lives. When we do, we create a grand symphony of praise in which God will take delight.

Thank you, Father, for the gift of music. It touches our lives with such beauty and sweetness. I want to sing your praises all my life. Amen.