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 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 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.
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 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 by passing this little message along. May God bless you and be with you always!
...and remember ,
"Don't quit."
"Keep playing.",
Posted by ArtnSoul (Member # 4561) on :
Loribelle,
Thanks for posting this - for some reason this story really struck a note for me tonight (pun intended)
I've never read this before, but it brought tears to my eyes, and also hope to keep "playing" and not quit. (lately I've been feeling more than a little "down" due to the lyme)
Thanks I needed it... Posted by HaplyCarlessdave (Member # 413) on :
That's great that Paderewski was able to "turn poison into medicine" in this case. I don't think Paderewski would have wanted to be compared to "god", though; he was just doing what he naturalkly did as a great teacher. Paderwski's editions of Chopin's works are among the best! I wish I could have heard him perform! DaveS
Posted by GEDEN13 (Member # 4151) on :
thankyou lori.. i do find it harder and harder,to pick myself up off the floor,after i have been knocked down or let down...
no reward's for my effort's.no more little victories.i can't let thing's end this way..
just can't seem to shake it off any longer...gary
Posted by Loribelle (Member # 6293) on :
YVW (you're very welcome) ArtnSoul Don't give up. There IS light at the end of the tunnel, you WILL get past 'today'...
HaplyCarlessDave - I was thinking of you when I posted this! I still have the Chopin shortcut on my desktop (from one of your posts). I listen to it often!
Gary... my friend. I'll email you... Was thinking of your dad today, Veteran's Day. Please tell your mother that I appreciate her sacrifice as well...
Posted by Loribelle (Member # 6293) on :
THE FOOTPRINTS OF GOD
In deepest sleep one night I dreamed that on the beach I walked.God was by my side each step and quietly we talked. Then on the sky my life was flashed; The vision was all serene. Two sets of footprints in the sand were there in every scene.
But then I noticed in some scenes of suffering, pain, and strife...Just a single set of footprints at the worst times of my life. "God...you said you'd stay by me In good times and in bad...Why then did you leave me each time my life was sad?
"My precious child,"God answered,"When your life had pain,I knew;The single set of footprints were the times I carried you."
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)
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Don't give up. There IS light at the end of the tunnel, you WILL get past 'today'...