In my last entry, I mentioned that my piano teacher studied with the famous pianist/composer, Paderewski, at Julliard School of Music in New York City. I also discussed the readiness of a child when begging for music lessons. I have a story I'd like to share from an unknown author. The setting was at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Wishing to ecourage 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." (Scroll down)
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 wonderuflly creative experience and 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 live's work truly can be beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. And . . .when you hear someone practicing and it is not to your satisfaction, whisper, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life. Remember, God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. And He'll always be there to love and guide you on to great things.
Recently two of our granddaughters excitedly shared a duet together . . . one on the cello and the other on the piano. I thought of the young boy at Julliard and imagined that at his young age he probably didn't fully understand what a wonderful experience he just had with such a Master pianist. As I listened to them play, I wanted to jump through the phone, hug each one and say, "Don't quit. Keep playing."
Now that we have time on our hands as we practice social-distancing, reach out to others via Skype or Zoom and share a little music. Set a goal to learn a new song, start a new instrument, write some fun lyrics for a song you already know, have a family talent show, but then take time to reward your efforts by sharing with friends or family. Let music help you heal as you forget the stress as you share musical activities together. Ryan Seacrest recently stated,"Music in challenging times can be universally healing"
Yesterday a dear friend called and told me that every day she prays for my husband and myself but before hanging up said, "I love you!" That warmed my heart and suddenly my day was a little brighter! Don't let one day pass without telling someone you love them because like they say, "Life is just too short."
This week I received an email announcing that Easter Sunday, April 12th, there will be a world-wide "Lamb of God" sing-along through YouTube Live and Facebook Live.
On-screen subtitles will display all of the lyrics, so that you can follow and sing along with the soloists and the choir.
If you decide to join in, know that others around the world will be lifting their voices and hearts with yours and sharing in the hope and beauty of the Easter message.
The sing-along will stream on YouTube Live and Facebook Live at three different times: 10 am Pacific Daylight Time, 2 pm and 6 pm. If you want to join this world-wide event, Copy and paste this link: RobGardnerMusic.com
Talented composer Rob Gardner says, "Sometimes music is the only way to get there. God gave us voices, so we must sing."
Click the photo and listen to "Take My Hand" and enjoy your Easter weekend.