Miles was asked to play a song in Sacrament meeting on Sunday (Sept 9, 2012). With help from his piano mentor, Diana Portzline (www.Portzlinemusicacademy.com), they had come up with an "easy" one for Miles to put together in a short time; the hymn, Sweet Hour of Prayer. Miles practiced a few times, and decided to make this into a bit of an arrangement of his own. Mrs. Portzline gave him some tips and then let Miles do the rest.
The night before he was to play, he and I went to the church in the evening to practice on the piano he would be playing on the next day. I sat in the back, just listening to hear how the sound and volume were mostly. He played the entire way through the piece, somewhat robotically, with little feeling. It was just like he was trying to get through it. I didn't want to discourage him at all but I knew he is capable and blessed to be able to touch people's hearts through his music and this somewhat robotic piece (while really pretty) just didn't seem what God was asking of him.
I said a silent prayer and asked what I could say that wouldn't be discouraging, only inspiring. The thought came to me to discuss with him briefly what the hymn was about and it's sacredness. Then we discussed how his playing the piano was just as important as Dad's talk that he was preparing to share the next day as well. We spoke of how this is a way for Miles to praise our Father in Heaven and share his testimony of his goodness. This is a way for Miles to reach many people's hearts.
After we spoke for a minute. He took a deep breath, and very deliberately touched the keys. I could see his body begin to move as he does when he is really feeling the music. I sat, grateful for the transformation. Then, without seeing anything with my mortal eyes, I could feel so strongly that Miles was not alone there. He had other mentors with him. I could feel that his great grandparents Foxley (whom he never met in mortality but who were fantastic musicians on earth) were there right next to him, softly taking his hands as if to say, "like this Miles", or "this key Miles".
I am overwhelmed to know that piano is not just piano. It truly is an expression of our inner selves, an expression of our testimony of God's love, a way to touch others. It is a gift. A most glorious gift.
I am grateful for the angels God provides both seen and unseen, to help us in our journey. The Sunday when he played the piece was flawless (or so it seemed). Whether he hit the 'wrong' notes here or there, or played too fast, it mattered not! He played from his heart and that is what we all felt. That is what this form of testimony sharing is all about!
