Get started by thinking on the right track. Patience...

Start thinking on the right track. The Master...
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 a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seeking 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 the bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young naive boy transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was captivated.

That's the way it was and is with our Heavenly Father. 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 can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. And He'll always be there to love and guide you to great things.

(if anyone knows who the author of this short story is please let me know,)


Thinking:

If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you'd like to win but you think you can't, It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost, For out of the world we find Success begins with a fellow's will - It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are; You've got to think high to rise; You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize.

Life's battle doesn't always go To stronger or faster men; But sooner or later the man who wins, Is the one who thinks he can.

-- Walter D. Wintle