The conductor entered the dimly lit room. He bowed to the audience and turned to face the orchestra. Ever so lightly, He tapped His baton on the music stand and then lifted His arms to let everyone know He was ready to begin. I looked in His direction and immediately lifted my viola and laid my chin on it to rest. With my bow in hand I waited for the final command. His arms lowered and the music began.
The violins, cellos, and base concurrently began to play. The woodwinds, brass, and percussion joined in as well. The unique sound enveloped the audience and captivated those who were indifferent. The perfect blend of the instruments echoed in unison with the Conductor and the orchestrated masterpiece.
I found myself filled with pride as my fingers flowed flawlessly over the strings of the harp, my mouth was able to form perfectly to the trumpet, and my wrists become one with each beat of the drum.
All of a sudden…everything start to go wrong. The once exquisite sound of the orchestra began to sound completely out of tune. It sounded as if each instrument were playing a different piece of music. “What's wrong?” I looked to the Conductor and He continued to lead with baton in hand, gently turning each page of the music, swaying to each note as if it were being performed perfectly. “Can't He hear the mess that I've made of this music?” I purposefully played the wrong notes, yet He closed His eyes and continued to sway back and forth.
You see, in this setting, I realized that we are the orchestra, the instruments, His vessels. All talents we possess are gifts from God, the Conductor. Sometimes He requires the soft sound of a violin and other times the power of a tuba. Often He only needs the simplicity of a chime from a triangle but each is important for the sound to be in perfect harmony and rhythm.
The goal is to draw His audience in by the beautiful music performed. He doesn't care if we occasionally miss a note - He expects it. The instrument may not be perfectly tuned, and often, because of our lack of faith, we forget that all things are possible with Him. Yet, this is His masterpiece so when we fail or change direction, He plays on. Lovingly and gently He woos us back to the music, woos us back to Him.
When we accept that He is the Leader and we are merely the vessels, the music sounds wonderful, even terrific. But when we start thinking that it's by our efforts alone we can achieve greatness, the music sounds horrible, even repulsive. He is the One who fills the voids, provides the talent, sets the melody, and closes each song with a sigh of approval and bow for a job well done.
Written by the Holy Spirit
through Brenda Bates - September 2006
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