The Wisdom of The Piano Teacher....Monday

When we our kids started taking piano lessons they were very excited to play great music. As soon as they were taught scales (going up and down the piano keys with proper fingering technique) they practiced going as fast as they could. But their teacher always slowed them down. Her words were "When you can play the piece correctly slowly, then you are ready to play it fast; and you will play it well."

One child was very intentional and plugged through the repetition of slow and meticulous practice. The others played slow in front of the teacher, but speed was their game at home! Why should they go slow when they could already go fast? So they missed or slurred a few notes, no big deal, it hardly ever happened according to their ears. A few years down the road and the student who took the teacher's wisdom to heart was chosen for the honors recital. 

The truth in her guidance: practice it slowly; work on it patiently; don't give up; work on small sections at a time, master each part before moving on- sounds so reasonable and almost simple. It occurs to me that a great amount of the stress in my life would be relieved if I approached each of my responsibilities and myself with intentional patience.

But you must let endurance have its full effect,

so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:4 ISV

Dear Lord, please help us to remember that You will not leave us nor forsake us. We can trust You. When trials and interruptions come, please send encouragement to remind us to hold steady with patience and not anger. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

"I Surrender" performed by Hillsong