Some Encouragement For You

 “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”

—Ignace Paderewski

A mother, wishing to encourage her son’s progress at the piano, bought tickets to a performance by the great Polish pianist Ignace Paderewski. When the evening arrived, they found their seats near the front of the concert hall and eyed the majestic Steinway waiting on the stage. Soon the mother found a friend to talk to, and the boy slipped away.

At eight o’clock, the lights in the auditorium began to dim, the spotlights came on, and only then did they notice the boy – up on the piano bench, innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” The crowd was clearly frustrated. His mother gasped in shock and embarrassment but, before she could retrieve her son, the master himself appeared on the stage and quickly moved to the keyboard.

He whispered gently to the boy, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.” Leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in the bass part. Soon his right arm reached around the other side and improvised a delightful obligato. Together, the old master and the young novice held the crowd mesmerized with their blended and beautiful music.

I saw this story while looking for a “grand finale” for a speech I’m giving tonight. I thought it very fitting because of people in my sphere of influence.  My twitter feed is full of individuals struggling to stay sober. I have some friends who are having major health challenges. Some are feeling misunderstood by loved ones.  One is feeling lonely.  Still another perceives her life a failure.

My message to those struggling–Don’t quit. Keep playing. The Master knows what you are going through. You may not feel Him, but His arms are around you. He’s holding you close, walking with you through the challenges.  My experience through all the trials, troubles and negative circumstances, The Master turned those into blessings.  I certainly didn’t see it at the time, but looking back, He turned my “chopsticks” into a blessed concerto! He will do that for you, as well.

What are you wrestling with?  If you need a listening ear or a little coaching, I’m a phone call or email away.  In the meantime, keep on keeping on. Keep playing. The blessings are coming your way.

Warmly,

Jan

Jan McDonald
The John Maxwell Team