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"Don't Quit, Keep Playing"
too often we underestimate the power of a touch,
a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential
to turn a life around.
-leo buscaglia
Don't Quit, Keep Playing
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 obligatio. 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'.
Life is more accurately measured by the lives
you touch than by the things you acquire. So touch someone,
and pass this little message along.
Added March 6, 2004
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