“Don’t look back, lengthen your stride, and press toward the goal." ~ Philippians 3:13-14
By the time Ignacy Paderewski began his first American
concert tour, he was already a European celebrity. Audiences in Vienna, Paris,
and London had witnessed his virtuosic piano recitals, which often extended to
hour-long encores, as he interpreted works by Chopin, Liszt, and Bach.
It seemed only natural
that the red carpet would be rolled out for him in America. As the story unfolded
that evening in a New York City concert hall, a mother and young son took their
seats near the stage to witness Paderewski’s first U.S. tour event.
She hoped the live
concert would encourage her son to continue the piano lessons with which he’d
been struggling. Once situated, the mother spotted a close friend in the crowd
and walked back up the aisle to greet her.
Kurt, a shy, very
polite 7-year-old, was awestruck at the sight of the glimmering Steinway grand
piano standing alone in a single spotlight on the stage. He’d never seen
anything more beautiful.
Seizing the
opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall without supervision, the
curious boy rose and wandered past an unlocked door until he found himself
backstage. The kid was awestruck by the beautiful instrument standing before
him.
The house lights
dimmed as the concert was about to begin. The mother returned to her seat and
discovered that her son was missing just as the curtains parted.
The horrified Mom
rushed toward the platform just as Paderewski himself appeared on stage.
The Grand Master sat
beside the boy and whispered in his ear, "Don't quit; keep playing!"
As the little boy continued to play, Paderewski began to fill in the bass part
with his left hand.
With his right arm
around the boy, he added a running obbligato. The unlikely duet instantly
captivated the audience. Paderewski had transformed a frightening situation
into a wonderfully creative experience.
I wasn’t able to
confirm this story’s authenticity, but so what! There’s a lesson in it for all
of us.
That’s the way God
works.
What we accomplish by
ourselves is barely noteworthy. We try our best, but the results don’t flood
the chamber with melodious, joyful sounds. With help from the Master’s hand, however,
our life’s work truly can be magical, a soulful blessing to others.
Our willingness to become
more intimate with God will enable us to sense His presence above the chaos of
our lives. So, the next time you attempt great feats, listen carefully until
the Heavenly Master whispers in your ear: “Don’t give up. Keep trying.” Feel
His loving arms around you. Know with certainty that comforting hands are delicately
playing the concerto of your life.
