lent devotion - keep playing

​Keep Playing
by Doris Homan

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

A very dear friend sent me this little story many, many years ago. I keep it in a place where I can refer to it whenever I want, and I always hear an important message in it.

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 spotted an old 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 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.”

Regardless of our age or situation, we can be sure our heavenly Father still has his arms around us and we can hear him whisper, “Keep playing!”

Lord, thank you for transforming our meager efforts into greater blessings for your people. Help us to “keep playing,” knowing that you are there to help us. Amen