The following story was shared in my small group last night. I thought it was worth sharing: Paderewski was one of Poland’s world-renowned pianists and composers during the early 1900s. Here is a story about one of his concerts.
A mom wishing to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano took her 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 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 was 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 obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized, they couldn’t recall what else the great master played. Only the classic “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” remained burned in their brain and on their hearts.
From my friend, Jay Thompson: 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 might just hear the voice of the Master whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”
My prayer for you who serve in ministry is that you will take this story to heart and reflect on Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength”). And as it says all throughout the Old Testament, “Be strong and take courage.”
