Stop Assuming!

I have been trying really hard lately to mentally step back and observe myself in situations to see how I react/respond, and thoughtfully decide if I am acting the way I want to act.  I have noticed that something I do more often than I would care to admit is make assumptions.  About things, about people, about situations, you name it.  This was clearly brought to my attention earlier this week.

My friend Jennifer texted me and asked if I would be interested in going to a classical music concert with her at the nearby Episcopal Church.  Being as how I teach her son piano, she correctly assumed that I would enjoy attending a concert like this.

The church was beautiful.  I loved the vaulted ceiling and the brightness of the room.  The giant cross on the front wall was simple but beautifully carved.  We sat down on a comfortable pew, and we laughed about how there was WAY more leg room than the pews at the churches we attend.

When I looked at the program, I noticed that the first piece was a piano prelude in c sharp minor by Rachmaninoff.  I couldn't wait to hear this piece, because I love Rachmaninoff's music and he is known for his technical, difficult pieces.  (I'm including a YouTube video of this piece played by someone else - if you ever saw the movie Shine, this piece was in the movie.)


So, imagine my surprise when a little boy walked up to the grand piano.  I mean little.  I was sure he was no older than five years old (he is, in fact, a first grader in my town).  I immediately thought, "Oh, how cute.  He must be playing an easy version of the Rachmaninoff piece.  I guess this is a different kind of concert than I thought it would be."  (Making assumptions...)  Then, this little boy sat down to play.

Oh, yes.  It was the real Rachmaninoff prelude.  With four sharps.  Memorized.  Played with emotion.  Played better than I could have played it.  By a six year old.

Jennifer and I spent the rest of the evening enthralled by the talent of the numerous musicians we heard after that, and I reminded myself to be careful about making assumptions in the future.

(Getting out with Jennifer also reminded me that it is fun to look for cultural things going on in town.  And also that hanging out with girlfriends is good for the soul.)