Wishing
to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a mother
took her boy to the concert of a great master pianist. After they were
seated, the mother spotted an old friend in the audience and walked
down the aisle to greet her.
Seizing
the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little
boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked “NO
ADMITTANCE”.
When
the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother
returned to her seat and discovered to her horror that the child was
missing.
Suddenly,
the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway
on stage. In disbelief, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the
keyboard, innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”
At
that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to
the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”
Then leaning over, he 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 obligation. Together, the old master
and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening
situation into a wonderfully creative experience.
The
audience was so mesmerized that 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 is
hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t always
graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our
life’s work can truly be beautiful.
Next
time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may
hear the voice of the 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 turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God
doesn’t seem to call the equipped; rather, He equips the ‘called’.