There is a story about a five year old boy who loved the piano.
Although he'd never had lessons or any kind of formal training, anytime he got a chance, he would sit down and play it.
He was often told that he was too small, too young to play the piano. But despite those comments, he continued to practice and practice.
In time, the only song he knew how to play was "chopsticks".
Just a very simple tune. But he played it again and again.
One day, his father surprised him. He purchased tickets for them to go to the symphony and hear a world-renowned Italian pianist -- one of the greatest piano players alive.
As they were walking to their seats there in the auditorium, the little boy saw the beautiful grand piano behind the curtain. While no one noticed, he snuck over and sat down on the piano bench and began to play his childlike version of chopsticks.
About that time, the curtain began to rise. Even though everyone thought they were going to see this world famous master pianist, they instead saw a little boy hunched over the piano playing "chopsticks".
He was so caught up in his world, he didn't know anybody was watching. When he realized what was happening, he was nervestruck.
Then, just as he was about to get up and run offstage, he felt two big arms reaching around him with the hands landing on the piano keys.
It was the master pianist.
And as the little boy continued to play his simple rendition of "chopsticks", this world renown pianist began to play a Beethoven symphony piece that was scored in the same cadence and the same key.
Under the direction of the master, he brought the rest of the orchestra in.
First he brought in the woodwinds, then the brass, then the percussion.
The boy's father sat there with tears coming down his cheeks.
He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
He never dreamed that simple tune that he heard in his living room each day would no longer sound like "chopsticks", but now it would become a full, beautifully orchestrated, Beethoven symphony.
What was the difference?
The Master stepped in.
These blog posts are of, by and for you -- that scared, lonely child who at one time or another may have felt like you didn't have the talent, the wisdom, the know-how, in fact the worthiness, to be worthy of the presence of the Master.
They're also about the what happens when your fingers combine with our Elder Brother's, and the exquisitely beautiful symphony that will chime in, at just the right times, that will leave you not only awestruck, but also able to personally testify that the Master indeed lives.
For your natural abilities, combined with his super abilities, can and will bring about supernatural wonders in our lives.
Feel free to leave a comment (even an anonymous one, if you wish) by clicking the "Comment" link below. Just know that because all comments are moderated, it may take a while for it to appear...
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I love this story of the little boy and will try to remember that my Savior wants me to succeed.
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time, a friend called and insisted I run over to Kmart THAT MINUTE and buy a book. I didn't need a book, admittedly I was borrowing Light, but had for some time limited myself to conference talks and scriptures. Straight from the horse's mouth, no blasphemy intended (we all know Mister Ed is not in charge...). "No no no no nooooooooo!", I told her, but missionary district sister/friend prevailed, and I got a copy of 'Following the Light of Christ into His Presence' by John Pontius. WOW, first-rate borrowed Light, his testimony pierced through the mists of darkness and touched my soul. How glad I was that I allowed that witness into my life mosaic, more puzzle pieces as I continued my quest to solve Life.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the effect that had on me, to seek only Wise Virgin Brand Lamp Oil (accept no substitutes). We can continue in gratitude for inspired motivating words from those called and those chosen, in or out of position. Thanks for creating a place to share, may it remain pristine and free of conflict and controversy. Let me add my own witness, that going through the motions and actions does not suffice. Truly taking the time to be still, allow the Spirit to witness that God is, that brilliant Light will not fail us as we are led into the presence of Christ, and then we will know both Him and Ourself, for we will be like him (per Neal Maxwell in a private conversation as he quoted Mormon in Moroni 7:48)
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
Thanks for inviting me aboard, my hope is that I can contribute only things virtuous, lovely, of good report, and faith-promoting.
(I don't know how to not display as 'Anonymous') Lorin
I loved this story. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteMy Piano Teacher growing up told me this story, and she printed it for all of her students. She's always been a great example to me of a student; always ready to learn. I love you Rosalie Jamison.
ReplyDeleteYour pupil and friend-
Anonymous
This is beautiful! So encouraging and inspiring. I can just picture this touching scene and hear the awkward "chopsticks" and flowing symphony-- meshing into one great masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteIt does take great humility and faith to let go of our deeply entrenched feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness about our rebellious pride, and frankly, jealousy of those who do know the Lord very well. I'm guilty as charged.
So, this has given me the fresh encouragement I've needed.
Thank you!
Angelina
My heart is filled with such gratitude as I read this post. I was referred to your blog by Mike Stroud. I was referred to Mike Stroud by a Client that came by my work one day, and I felt to share with her about certain life experiences and challenges I was facing. She mentioned "The Fellowship of The Suffering of Christ, which made me think of "Visions of Glory, written by John Pontius. A very precious book in my eyes that opened my spiritual eyes, and confirmed many things I knew to be true about our Heavenly Father's Plan and desire for His children. I moved to Utah a couple of years ago to be closer to "The Hub" of the Church. Visions of Glory was a catalyst for me to move here. This client ended up being close friends with John Pontius, and "Spencer" the individual who told his stories and visions to John Pontius. I love how Father works and brings His children into each others lives to bless them with more light and knowledge. I am so thankful for the new things I am learning. I know that we are commanded to have the faith of the Brother of Jared. I know I can see my Savior face to face in this life, as my life is in alignment with those practices, and I am filled with belief. He says:
ReplyDeleteForsake my sins.
Come unto Christ.
Call on His name.
Obeyeth His voice.
Keep His commandments
Then in His Timing, way, and will, I will see Him face to face. I pray for this daily.
I am deeply grateful to have come across your blog. I was referred to your blog by Mike Stroud, in listening to his podcasts. I was referred t Mike stroud by a client that happened upon my office a while back. She spent a bit of time in my office that day, and I felt impressed to share with her a bit of my story, and life challenges. She then mentioned being a part of "The Fellowship of The Suffering of Christ." This perked my ears, as I have cherished a book I have read several times, called Visions of Glory, and in that book, the man, "Spencer" talks about those of us suffering great things are a part of "The Fellowship of The Suffering of Christ." The man who wrote this book is John Pontius. It turns out my client was very close friends with John, and "Spencer" the man who told his stories and visions to John. I moved to Utah 2 years ago, as a prompting I received after reading Visions of Glory. I love how Father works, and how the angels orchestrate things so beautifully to bring His children into each other's lives to bless them. Now, I am a faithful reader of your blog and my soul is enriched even more. I know that we are commanded to have have the faith of the Brother of Jared. I have been praying for that, and seeking for that, and I am being taught great things that I wasn't quite aware of. I know as I do certain things:
ReplyDeleteForsake my sins.
Come unto Christ.
Obey His voice.
Keep His commandments
That in His time, way, and will, I will see Him face to face. I love Him with all my heart. Thank you for sharing your precious experiences. It adds hope to my hope.