unto the Lord

back when i was in music college i used to feel intimidated by others who seemed to play better than i. music wasn't offered at my high school so when i arrived at college and decided to specialize in music i was definitely behind the eight ball.

there was one other piano student in my year; for one of her recitals she chose to learn and play a piece called 'maple leaf rag' (an amazing piano piece). in the end she was able to master this really difficult piano piece. unfortunately, she had an arrogant attitude about her. i, on the other hand, was learning other piano pieces that appeared to be less complicated. during this time in my life i learned a valuable lesson. God taught me that the level of difficulty of the piece i played was not as important as the attitude/state of heart i played it with.

my peer could play really well but it went to waste because she was self centered; when she played it was for her benefit and her glory (as i perceived it). when i played i could play the simplest tune or chord progression on my piano at home and offer it up to God as an offering of praise to him and could feel His great pleasure as he enjoyed my song.

yes we should work hard, yes we should do our best in whatever we do but one question should remain constant in the forefront of our minds...who are we doing it for?

when we're truly surrendered to God and are weak He delights in making us strong and using us for his glory.