My Flute

I am writing this blog for a few very different reasons. They will unfold in the writing bit by bit.   An unexpected surprise emerging from the blog writing  is that my kids here at home like discussing and reading the blogs together each day.  The blogs have been a great catalyst for some wonderful conversations and even some tears.

My flute player deeply resonated with the trumpet post.  For her, it suddenly made some challenging dynamics clear.  It is hard to be a flute living with a very dynamic trumpet.  The trumpet gets noticed.  It is dramatic.  People perk up to listen.  The trumpet can join the jazz band and have more places to play.  The flute is a lot more quiet.  It is often in the background and is not always noticed in an upfront way.  The trumpet really can drown out the flute and can completely overpower it, especially if it is not carefully directed.

Tears were shed and frustrations expressed as my flute felt acutely her feelings about her relationship with the trumpet.  Somehow, through the expressing, there was a peace later in the day.  She is deeply glad to be a flute herself.  She likes playing the background melody.  She is starting to appreciate herself and what she has to add.   Nevertheless, it will continue to be hard.  As one of the conductors of this orchestra, I am going to have  to be creatively aware of this challenging dynamic.  There will be more tears and frustrations, especially since the relationship is fairly new.  Family relationships started when kids are older and all have deep insecurities makes for challenge.  Lots of time and debriefing is important.  Pulling our orchestra together and helping each instrument feel worthy and precious is not easy.  There will be lots of discordant  notes.  There will also be moments of deep richness and complement.  The various instruments do have fun playing together.  They do take each other into places that they may not have gone alone.

Sometimes it is these very challenges that bring richness and growth.  That is our goal.  My precious flute, keep on playing the instrument that is you with integrity, the best you can.