 The
Piano
WISHING to encourage her young son's progress on the piano,
a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert.
After they were seated the mother spotted a friend in the
audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the
opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the
little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a
door marked "NO ADMITTANCE".
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to
begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that
the child was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights
focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.
In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard,
innocently picking out "Twinkle, twinkle Little Star."
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance,
quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear,
"Don't quit. Keep playing."
Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left
hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon, his right arm
reached around the other side of the child and he added a
running obligato.
Together, the old master and the young novice transformed
a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.
The audience was mesmerized.
That's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on
our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results
aren't exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of
the Master, our life's work truly can be beautiful.
Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully.
You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear,
"Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel his loving arms
around you. Know that His strong hands are there helping you
turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
Remember, God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called.
And He'll always be there to love and guide you on the great
things.*
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A story on racism
AS WE KNOW, we see discrimination in some form or another
almost everyday, and often times, it leaves a sour taste in
your mouths.
The following story shows us the side of diversity that we
are all working for. It is a pleasant twist to see that there
are companies and individuals who face discrimination head
on, if only one small step at a time.
Enjoy reading the positive side of diversity and applaud
British Airways for their action in this situation.
On a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged,
well-off white South African lady has found herself sitting
next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over
to complain about her seating. "What seems to be the
problem Madam?" asked the attendant. "Can't you
see?" she said “You’ve sat me next to a kaffir.
I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me
another seat!"
"Please calm down Madam." the stewardess replied.
"The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what
I'll do-I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available
in club or first class."
The woman cocks a snooty look at the outraged black man beside
her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers).
A few minutes later the stewardess returns with the good
news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but
look at the people around her with a smug and self satisfied
grin:
"Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, economy is full.
I've spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also
full. However, we do have one seat in first class." Before
the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess continues
. . ."It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade,
however, and I have had to get special permission from the
captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that
it was outrageous that someone be forced to sit next to such
an obnoxious person."
With which, she turned to the black man sitting next to the
woman, and said: "So if you'd like to get your things,
sir, I have your seat ready for you..."
At which point, apparently the surrounding passengers stood
and gave a standing ovation while the black guy walked up
to the front of the plane. *
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