Count Your Blessings

When I was about seven years old, one of my little friends moved away. I don't know where she moved, but it was sad to see her go. We wondered who would move into the house. Would there be any kids to play with? It didn't take long to find out. Soon a big moving van drove up to the vacant house and the movers began carrying furniture into the empty rooms. And then I saw it -- a beautiful black baby grand piano! I had never seen such a thing in real life. And, it seemed, the owner of the instrument taught piano lessons! I have always loved music, and my post, Music Notes, gives a little insight to the blessing that music has brought to my life. And so I began to take piano lessons.

Mrs. Clinton was a little old lady (at least she seemed old to me at the time!) who loved music. As soon as she moved into her new house, she put a sign in the front window that said Piano Lessons. The sign stayed there for a week or two, and then it disappeared. Apparently, she had been informed by the authorities that, because of zoning restrictions, placing such an advertisement in her window was prohibited. But enough people had seen it by then to bring her the students she was seeking.

I studied with her for about a year before taking up the flute. Her year-end recital was held at her house, and featured beginning students as well as some who were quite advanced. I played my little piece, A Waltz for Judy, and enjoyed the other students' performances. Then refreshments were served, and my teacher gave me a tiny piano pin as a memento of the occasion.

I don't remember much about those piano lessons, but I do remember the day I played a duet with her, the hymn Count Your Blessings. As we played the beloved song, she sang at the top of her lungs -- obviously, it was one of her favorites. And to this day, every time we sing that hymn in church, I think of that little old lady sitting by my side at the piano, playing and singing these words that meant so much to her:

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God has done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God has done.