The Concert

Here is a story.

The house lights dimmed in a great concert hall as the concert was about to begin. In the audience, a mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. Seized with anxiety, she looked around. At that moment the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the Steinway grand piano on the stage.

Sitting at the keyboard was the missing child, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

The mother, flooded with embarrassment, started toward the stage, when at that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear: "Don't stop. Keep playing."

Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato.

Together, the old master and the young boy transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

The audience was mesmerized. So much so, that talking of the concert afterward they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic, " Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

Perhaps that's the way it is with God.

What we can accomplish on our own may be modest, simple, unexceptional. We may do our best, but the results do not always make beautiful music. However, with the hand of a Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful, spectacular, and memorable.

The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of a Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit." "Keep playing."

May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you transform your simple efforts into memorable masterpieces.

Remember, God doesn't seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips the 'called.' Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire.

You may choose to touch someone by passing this little message along.

May you have faith in your abilities, and the courage to step forward and play. Support will come.

And remember,

"Don't quit."

"Keep playing."

This story was passed on to me, via an e-mail or e-zeine, and I've lost the original reference - it may have been Jim Vuocolo of Marcia Reynolds. If it is you - please let me know and I'll share a link. If you yourself have had similar experiences - please share your stories in the comments.