A few weeks
ago the pastor of First Baptist Church called and asked me to play the piano
for the Baccalaureate. After weeks of practicing Pomp and Circumstance, I
am still making a mistake from time to time while playing it.
To me, it
is a big thing to make a mistake during the ceremony. Practice makes perfect so
practice we will. Practice makes perfect, so we'll practice still. Each time
the thought crosses my mind, "What if I make a mistake?"
"Maybe
it’s time to call and let them know I can’t do it."
This thought kept ringing in my mind all day
long. It occurred to me they are relying on me for this. My word was given and
there is no reason I can’t follow through.
Oh yes
there is: Pride!
Not wanting
to humiliate myself in front of a large group would be a good reason to back
out.
When there
are times I say, "I can’t," Nick Vuijicic, a physically challenged
individual comes to mind. Nick was born with no arms or legs and is now a
motivational speaker.
Now if I
had a cast on my arm, then that might be a reason to back out of playing for
the Baccalaureate. Maybe if I had been working in the yard and a rock flew up
and hit me in the eye then that would be a reason to back out. But to just back
out would be a lack of character.
The bad
things and hard things are the things that make us better. They are the things
that build character in us. Note the word build,
thus meaning it is going to take time. It's not going to be an easy thing.
If we live
in a bubble we will never learn certain things, thus keeping us weak. Just a
moment of reflecting on Nick’s life helps me get my perspective back in place.
If Nick can accomplish all the things he does in life, surely I can play a five
minute piece of music in front of a crowd.
I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians: 4:13)
If Nick can find happiness and
success in life, then why can we not find it. We are the ones that determine
our destiny. No matter what you are going though, you can still build character.
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