God's gift of music

I play the Native American Flute (NAF) and have often questioned myself as to how well I was doing. I was always comparing myself to other players and wondering why anyone would want to listen to my music. I did feel that this instrument was more natural to play than other instruments I had tried. Sometimes it only takes a moment to change your whole perspective. I was at a retreat for NAF players in the beautiful mountains of Helena Montana, where many other players were gathered to become more experienced flute players. The retreat was lead by R. Carlos Nakai, one of the most accomplished NAF players of all time. With him was an amazing group of NAF players from the Flute Tree Foundation. It was here that I came to a startling revelation.

In the breaks and evenings there was an open mic setup in a room adjacent to some of the sleep areas. I was by myself one afternoon just playing what came to my heart. I was still doubting myself and my playing. As I was playing a lady named Brenda stepped into the entryway where I was playing. When I saw her, I stopped playing and asked if I was being too loud. I was afraid I had awoken her from a nap as I was close to the sleep area. She looked at me with a big smile and said, "Not at all. I had to come see where the angelic music was coming from. Please continue!" I was beside myself that someone had thought my music was angelic. This was not only an inspiration but a spiritual realization for me.

It was at that moment as I continued to play and held back the tears that I realized this was God's calling for me. He was the one that led me to picking up my first flute. I was never formally taught how to play the NAF. He was the one that gave me the skills and a heart to play angelically. The biggest lesson to me is to get out of my own way. I will let God's breath speak through my flutes. I have gone on to perform many times now and have always had great responses. Thank you, Brenda, for helping me find my confidence and God given talent. Brenda and I have remained friends to this day.