During my freshman year in college I was studying to be a concert pianist. But at the end of the first term, a few days before juries (piano performance finals), I seemed to have all the symptoms of a cold. Also my pieces were not ready to perform, I was getting terrible predictions from my fellow students, and I did not have the strength to practice. The day before juries it was all I could do to sit down at the piano and practice for ten minutes at a time. Finally I went back to my room to pray about the situation. I affirmed that God was my strength, ability, and trust; that all perfection is from Him; and that because I was His image and likeness, I could only express the allness and completeness of His perfection. Immediately I felt better and was able to finish other work for that day, but I did not go back to practice again.
I had to get up early the next morning for juries, and when I did, the cold symptoms were still present. I began to read the Bible Lesson for that week as well as portions from Prose Works other than Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. A short time later, about an hour before juries, the cold was completely gone. Needless to say, I was grateful—and I played well.
At one point during my freshman year, I became very upset because I didn't know what my major should be. (Since at that point I intended to pursue a music career, the time had come to declare it.) In fact, I sat up one night praying to God, through tears, about it. Then the thought came to pursue a degree in teaching piano, and I instantly felt at peace and thanked God. Later, when I discussed this with my piano teacher she rejoiced with me, for teaching was what she had always thought I should do. I was very grateful for this experience because it showed me the need to put our trust in God and to let His will be done.
