As of last week, I have one piano student!

Most of you know that I used to teach piano for years – since high school, really.  When I was teaching elementary music I had students I taught after school, and even after I left classroom teaching, I taught piano from home for many years.  I laid this love aside for awhile before Anna joined our family.  Being mama full-time was far more important, plus, piano teaching was quite difficult while watching my own child at the same time.

I knew I would return to teaching one day, but never really planned on starting this soon.  I figured after both kids were in school full-time I’d find a chunk of time for it.  However, God had other plans.  And honestly, His plan is far better!

Back in March I hired a gal to come clean our house.  At the time I was on my third month of not feeling great and we desperately needed some help.  During Stacey’s time in our home we chatted, became acquainted, and really clicked.

After learning that I used to teach piano, she asked if I would be interested in teaching her thirteen year old daughter.  My immediate reply was “No, I’m not currently teaching, but hope to return to it once both kids are in school.”  Her next response was something to consider, though.  She said that she heard my concern for being able to keep up and maintain the house while still having days of not feeling great every month.  So, what would I think about trading services?  I would teach her daughter piano lessons and she would come clean our house each month.  What did I think?  That was an offer I couldn’t refuse.  Actually, I did hesitate initially.  I wanted to make sure that my teaching would fit with our family right now, that Kenny was for it, and that it wouldn’t take time away from the kids.  So, I told her I’d get back to her.  Once we considered everything it was an easy decision.

So, one of the two mornings a week that Anna is in preschool, I will teach Sophia piano.  It is a win-win for both families and is working out great.  Stacey came today to clean and her help is such a blessing.  It happens to be one of those days that I’m not 100%, so her help is even more appreciated.  Some days when I’m feeling great I feel slightly guilty that I’ve got help with the house.  I feel I should be able to keep up and handle it.  But, I know it is help I need during this season and a gift straight from God.  Only He could have worked this out.

The other plus to this arrangement is that I’m getting a chance (earlier than I anticipated) to do one of the things I love again.  After finishing Sophia’s first lesson, I felt like I could take on the world!  Teaching piano energizes me and is completely rewarding and fulfilling.  I had forgotten how much I really do love it.  That is a sure sign of finding your passion and I feel so blessed to have a chance to do it again.

Do you have a passion that you’ve laid to rest for awhile?  Or do you have the privilege of experiencing your passion every day or on a regular basis?  If not, how can you make it happen?  Is it something you can incorporate into your life every once in awhile?

I pray that each of you will discover something like this you love if you haven’t already. God has given each of us talents and gifts to use.  I hope you can seek them out and find a way to serve with them, too.