Chopsticks

Chopsticks? Ever heard of this term? I haven't until I read an article printed on the church buletin last week. The story was about a little boy who, despite his aged and lack of experience and skill played chopsticks on a stage set for a famous pianist. He would have given up playing the piano if he had listened to the audience's shout for him to be removed from the stage. Should we bow to norms in the society?

The famous composer-painist Ignace Jan Paderewski heard the shout of the crowd and went on to the stage and encouraged the boy by playing along. Filling in the gaps where the notes were supposed to be, Ignace actually motivated the boy to continue playing. This incident does not only affect the boy at that very moment. It would have saved him from much embarrasment. The feeling of being embarrased would have left a life long effect that could not be reversed. Blushing over some events would be less damaging but not when the circumstances are unforgiving.

In the same way as Ignace had filled in for the boy when he missed some notes, God did the same but to a greater degree. Paul would not have urged us to press on for the goal set ahead if it was not for God who had changed his heart. Our toil will never be in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). I shall take this as an encouragement to continue growing and toiling in the Lord. My faith is like the sun, but sometimes there are clouds in the way. However, the rainbow that represents God's promise is always reflecting the rays of light after a storm. This is God's promise to all of us who belief. May our faith be like the sun that never fades or set. It is only the earth's movement that blinds us from viewing the sun. Our faith is also such that it is sometimes difficult for others to judge. It is not fair to judge ones faith by the outward appearance.