The Concert 

     When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, a mother returned to her seat and discovered her child was missing.  Suddenly, the curtain 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 into the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit.”  “Keep playing.”  Then leaning over, Paderewsky 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 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” stayed imprinted in their minds. 
 

     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 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.”  Maybe you’ll 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.”