dec 3rd Advent day 7

Todays scripture in Joyce Huggets book is Matthew 25, the parable of the talents.  And she points out that whilst we are waiting for Jesus to come back we need to be actively investing what He has given us.

This morning I threw my annual piano lesson concert party.  The ten children who come for lessons all performed their party pieces - and some of them have only been playing for four or five weeks so it was a big deal for them.  Mums and Dads and siblings all cheered and clapped.  The kids got certificates acknowledging their efforts and rewarding them for their hard work  Then we had food and the kids all ran about and the parents chatted over cups of tea and buns.  It was a really nice time.

Some of the children I teach have natural musical talent.  But not many.  Most have just decided that they want to learn the piano and are prepared ( more or less!) to do the practice and work hard until they achieve their desired level of competence.  Not many will make concert standard pianists ( not with me as their teacher anyway!) But hopefully most will go on to be able to play the piano for pleasure throughout their lives.   I don't really charge much for lessons - I see teaching piano as my way of investing into a new generation  and passing on a skill which gives me an immense amount of pleasure.

Playing piano, like most things, requires time and tenacity and hard work.  So many people I know started music lessons when they were young but didn't persist.  All of them without exception regret it.

I probably only persisted myself because my Mother was determined I was going to learn to play.  And she made me practice.  Didn't like it much at the time but I am so thankful to her now.   We all need someone to stand alongside and encourage and cajole and persuade us to keep on going when we feel like giving up.   Maybe you are that person in someone else's life today.

 I wonder if, at the end of the day when I stand in front of Jesus there will be a list of things I started but didn't finish.  Abilities which were never fully explored.  Potential that was not realised.  Expectations that were not met.  Things I should have done but didn't.  Probably.

Lord, as I am waiting for Your return, help me to work on becoming as fully and deeply and wholly 'me' as I can possibly be, using all that You have invested in me to the best of my ability and not giving up when it becomes hard work.  Thank you for those people who have believed in me, encouraged me, seen the potential in me and pushed me to fulfil it.