"The Piano"
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Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the
piano, a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski
concert.

After they were seated, the mother spotted a 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
that her son was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted
and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on
stage.

In horror, 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, 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 novice transformed a frightening
situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The
audience was mesmerized.

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 exactly graceful flowing music. But with the
hand of the Master, our life's work truly can be beautiful.

Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen
carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering
in your ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel His loving arms
around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the
concerto of your life.

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Date: March 30, 2001
Contributing Member: erick