Article May 27, 2013 Issue

Stories from the bandstand

Simon Deppeler

I have been a professional musician for over 40 years and have enjoyed every minute of it—almost. I’ve done my share of paying my dues and learning my early lessons. There was the wedding where they didn’t want to hear anything that I wanted to play, or the gig where I got to play all my favorite music but everyone was talking instead of listening. 

In actual fact, I’ve had a very fortunate career. Some would say I’ve been very lucky. However, being raised in Christian Science gave me a different perspective. I knew God had given me a talent and a purpose to go with it. There was a plan. God’s plan! All I had to do was my absolute best and then listen for and obey God’s direction. 

Even when something didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped, I’ve usually found myself saying, I wonder what God has in store for me this time? Every single time, God’s plan has been better than mine. 