Saturday, December 18, 2021
Witness: Doris Ruiter
Scripture: Proverbs: 3:5-6, Zechariah 9:9-10
Weekly Theme: Joy
I was born and raised in a small Dutch community on the south side of Chicago. Namely South Holland, Illinois. This small town was rich in community celebrations. There were parades, there were outdoor concerts, and there were bands… lots of bands.
When I was seven years old, I told my parents I wanted to play in a band. I really… really loved the band. I had chosen the flute as my instrument of choice. My enthusiasm for becoming a band member was soon squelched when I was told there was just no money to buy a flute. However, my Mom could teach me how to play the piano.
What does a seven-year-old know about money? All I knew was that I wanted a flute. So one day, I brought home that shiny flute from school. After all, the band leader told me it was free. The flute remained in my house for one night, and I was again told that it had to go back because it wasn’t really free.
My Mom eventually began to teach me how to play the piano, but my heart was just not in it. After a few years of seeing there would be no flute or band membership in my future, I became serious about learning to play the piano. Over time, I progressed to the organ, and my church organist career began.
Over 50 years, I’ve played the organ in many churches. I’ve played for traditional services. I’ve played for weddings. I’ve played for funerals, and I’ve played for relaxation and my enjoyment.
In 2018 we moved to The Villages full time, and I was determined to retire from playing the church organ. I was officially RETIRED!!
Dan and I attended the Lake Deaton Campus of New Covenant Church at the Eisenhower Rec Center, and I enjoyed hearing the praise band. I was a great listener and an enthusiastic church musician retiree.
Fast Forward to COVID- 2020. The praise band was changing, and there was a need for new members. So I met with David, our then worship leader. David and I agreed that I would play 2 Sundays a month. But little did I know David needed a keyboardist, not a pianist or an organist. BUT LORD, I’ve never played the keyboard before.
It’s over 60 years since that little girl so desperately wanted to play in a band. WELL… GUESS WHAT… I’m in a band and love every minute of it.
Daily Prayer: Lord, give us the patience to wait for your direction in our lives. Please lead us to that spot where you need us to witness in your name. And give us the tools to complete the task. Amen
Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- Do you pray for daily direction from the Lord?
- Are you patiently waiting for an answer to your prayers, or are you taking matters into your own hands?
- What opportunity is out there for you to volunteer and witness?
Lake Deaton at Home 
Leave a Reply