I have been thinking about retiring from teaching after fifty years, and I must admit the prospect of not teaching music really leaves a huge bare spot in my life. Just like the following verses of Matthew 13: 31-33 (KJV), my musical talent grew from the age of three until today sixty-eight years later into an all encompassing passion of mine, so much so that I have shared it with countless students, musical school groups, and many churches in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It is no longer a tiny seed but a huge tree where anyone who loves music can participate, listen, or just rest on my branches. “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field. Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air can come and lodge in the branches there of.”
Of all the things that I have accomplished in my lifetime, my music, my pearl, is the passion that has surrounded me in faith, hope, and love. With God’s help, it has propelled me forward to all good things, and all good things are possible through our Heavenly Father. Through the wisdom gained from my mistakes, God has led me to even higher accomplishments. Matthew 13: 45-46 (KJV), states, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking good pearls: Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” As I have seen part of my Father’s kingdom through my music, I look forward to seeing a more glorious Heavenly kingdom. Through a loving family and caring friends, I have been surrounded by His arms. Through the music of His beautiful Creation, I have been blessed with His passionate love.
It is that love that encourages me to continue to bring my gift of music to all who want to learn, to breathe in its harmonies, or to feel its power in peaceful and loving grace. I praise the Lord for granting me such a beautiful mustard seed and ask that He will continue to foster my passion for as long as my physical body allows. The light of His kingdom burns in my soul as much as when He blessed me with good and faithful parents on the day of my birth. They helped cultivate a tiny mustard seed into who I am today. Mom and Dad, thank you for allowing me to see God’s love in my pearl.
Anna Hartt
