| I love listening to a piano being played well.
I can’t say the same about hearing a child banging their tiny fists on the keys over and over just to hear the noise.
Playing the piano is something I’ve always dreamed of doing, but honestly, I can’t recall a time as a kid asking my parents if I could take lessons. It’s probably because that part of creating music didn’t sound like too much fun – all that practice.
I know others who can play beautiful pieces, creating art for the ear to enjoy. It came with years of practice. While I’m listening to someone play masterfully, I’m listening to the manifestation of the countless hours of sacrifice, learning and practice. Learning the notes, then practicing the notes. Learning to read sheet music, then practicing each row. Hours and hours of repetition, practicing the scales.
As their skills improved, there were recitals to perform, A crescendo of sorts takes place – where all is laid bare in front of onlookers. The payoff for the investment of countless hours spent behind closed doors now being witnessed by all.
A gift, fine tuned through years of repetitive practice comes into it’s fullest form when it’s shared with others. The years of commitment to the process can’t help but spill out for all to enjoy (hopefully!)
If I’m going to grow in my faith, I think I need to do the same as my friends who play music so beautifully. I need to practice my faith.
In the same way the pianist learned the notes, I learn the Truth.
How they learned to read the sheet music, I learn the scripture.
They continually practiced, I continually dismiss wrong thinking and remind myself of the things I know are true. And even when, especially when I don’t feel like it, I remain committed. I choose to focus on the goal rather than being tempted to wander off course.
Just as my pianist friends played and played, I pray and pray.
I need to constantly be putting into practice the art of being loving; something I can’t do without help from above. I practice giving grace to myself and others when mistakes are made along the way.
I don’t judge myself by looking at other’s progress.
Comparison kills creativity.
I try to always remember that any sound I make, affects those who are near me.
I’ll learn as I practice. It won’t come overnight, just as the concert pianist couldn’t play those lovely masterpieces in their early years of lessons. But I know it will come as I continue to practice. In the meantime, I can be patient with the process.
And eventually, I’ll be finding the gift of life slowly transforming into the sweetest of melodies.
But this one thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
I am confident that He who began a good work in me with himself complete it on the day of Christ Jesus return. Philippians 1:6
But this one thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
I am confident that He who began a good work in me with himself complete it on the day of Christ Jesus return. Philippians 1:6
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14
I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you O Lord I will make music. Psalm 101:1 |
