Twinkle, Twinkle

by Angie Ledbetter

I grouse almost daily about how my plans often don't go the way I envision them. How what I try to accomplish with my family and friends often goes astray. How my children don't understand my mission to guide them to good, Christian adulthoods.

Look Up!

When I get down on myself, thankfully there's a sky full of stars to remind me that help is right above me in the heavens. I just need to remember Who's in charge of things. And when I'm having a particularly "down" day full of missteps and wrong turns, maybe it's God's way of redirecting my goals.

When I put my ego (desires, motives, pursuits) aside, I can be a better servant and vessel for the Lord to use. By not insisting that I must go to the store right now to buy ingredients for a casserole for an ailing neighbor, maybe I'll be home to answer the phone when she calls to tell me she's going out of town. Perhaps if I don't fuss at my teenage son for not doing a school project on time, I'll remember that he gave up many hours on Sunday to fill in for a friend as an altar server.

Nursery Rhyme Teaching

My small examples of feeling inadequate or sidetracked from my goals don't illustrate the point as well as the following, whose author I couldn't find:

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

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 went to chat with a friend a few rows behind 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 for the concert 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.

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 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 what could have been a bad situation into a wonderful experience. The audience was so mesmerized they couldn't recall what else Paderewski played besides the duet.

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. But 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 seemingly feeble attempts into true masterpieces.

Encore!

This week, let's keep our eyes open for important spiritual lessons. And remember, they may come from a small child or the Master, so look and listen carefully.

Life Applications:

In what area(s) of your life do you feel you are the master?
Do you leave enough room in your plans and goals for God to work?
Have you felt God's encouragement and guidance lately?

Copyright 2004 by Angie Ledbetter
All rights reserved.