The Hand of the Master

My friend, Chris, sent this to me. It's about how a little boy and a piano master illustrate how we can create exquisite things if we allow the hand of the master to guide us along.

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. 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 that the child 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 obligato. 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.

The 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.

Wow.

This story hardly needs any follow-up comments.
But -- you know me. I must.

All too often we get frustrated and weary from trying to make things happen. We waste valuable moments of respite worrying about what might take place and how we can intervene to change the possible outcome. Thinking about it is okay. Planning is a great tool. Worrying is a total waste of tme.

After all, we really aren't in control, are we?

Wouldn't it be less stressful if, after we've put our best efforts into thinking and planning, we trust that God will see things through the way He thinks would be best? Why not relax and let His hand guide us?

We're given choices in life, and sometimes we make poor ones. Sometimes we make decisions without consulting God, and sometimes they turn out badly. Sometimes Satan rears his ugly head and intervenes, trying to test our faith and lure us away from it. But I believe if we remain faithful and believe that God will never leave our side, we can weather any storm. We can create masterpieces.

We just have to listen to the voice of the Master.