Number 17 comes from the FAITH series. It is an example of the many original parables that Walt created in 2019 from his observations of common occurrences and objects.
A Piano Parable
STEP ONE: BREATHE
Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.
STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
— Colossians 2:6-7
The following is an original parable. Parables played an essential part in the teaching ministry of Jesus. He used simple stories about everyday occurrences to ignite the imagination about the extraordinary kingdom of God.
There once was a little girl who wore pigtails and frilly dresses. One day she asked her parents if she could take piano lessons. Even though no one in the family played a musical instrument, they agreed. Since they didn't have a piano on which to practice, they borrowed an old keyboard from a friend.
Although the little girl could barely reach the keys, she was determined. It was a sight to see. She plucked out the notes from her lesson book at the borrowed keyboard perched at the end of the kitchen table, with her feet dangling from a chair. Initially, it was more noise than music.
The little girl was persistent and carried onward. Note by note. She struggled through her scales and learned beginner tunes. At times, her frustration level was so high that she wanted to quit. But she didn't. Even when what she was doing didn't make sense or sound all that good, her commitment was unwavering.
Little by little, through her dedication, melodies emerged. Notes started to come together in pleasing ways. Of course, the music got harder. By the time the little girl's feet reached the floor, she was no longer playing nursery rhymes from beginner books.
Eventually, her parents replaced the keyboard with an upright piano. All through the girl's teenage years, she kept playing. There was something beautiful in the music that touched the depth of her soul. Knowing the joy of playing the piano, she continued practicing and struggled through new pieces. Even when life got busy, and she had a family of her own, she managed to find the time to connect her fingers to the keys and her heart to the music.
So it is with those who seek to follow in the paths of God. Faith takes practice, patience, and determination. The wise hang-in there and make the time for prayer, worship, and service to others. Over time, a rich melody emerges that brings indescribable joy. Fools rarely make it beyond the noise.
STEP THREE: RESPOND IN PRAYER
Gracious God, give me the patience and determination to continually seek your ways in my life. Inspire me to practice my faith so that it becomes second nature. Comfort me as I struggle along the way. Pick me up when I fall. Allow the joy of your presence to carry me onward. Through Jesus, amen.
Permission granted to share with friends and family. Copyrighted 2019. Walt Lichtenberger