When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works. (Psalm 104:30-31 NIV)
Last night I was in a conversation with someone about how crazy it is that we have kids old enough to be in driver’s training. “I can’t believe God entrusted this kid to ME!” “Yeah, I know! God must have had a lot of faith in us!” Parenting is not for sissies, but it’s also not something we do alone. In the same way God helps us create the amazing children we have, he also helps us create beauty. Imagine yourself as this little boy, and God as Paderewski:
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.” May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.*
Creating God,
Thank you for giving us the capacity to create, and entrusting us with the children and other things you need us to produce. In the good and worthy efforts we take to raise godly children, or the various artistic pieces we create, or the many other works we do with the intention of furthering your Kingdom, give us strength, courage, direction, and grace. Thank you for the ways in which your grace covers our shortcomings. Thank you for filling in the gaps and helping us to make beautiful symphonies out of our tiny tunes. When we falter or struggle may we know Holy Spirit’s encouragement reminding us to not quit. Instead, help us to listen to your Voice within us so we keep creating the Masterpieces you’ve given us to bring into the world. Bless us, keep us, make your face to shine upon us, and give us your Peace, we ask in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
*story from internet 6-6-24