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 obligatio. 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.