December 17

”Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." (2 Corinthians 4:1 NIV)

I heard a sermon about Itzhak Perlman, the world-famous Israeli violinist, who was severely disabled as a child, but nevertheless developed into a virtuoso on his instrument. It was in a concert in New York and the music had just begun. The orchestra had played the introduction and Perlman lifted his violin ready to launch his solo. Then a string breaks. All expected that he would interrupt the music and replace the string before he continued the concert, but to everyone's surprise, Perlman continued the concert. He gave his audience the concert of a lifetime, a complete music experience, although he played on a violin with only three strings.

 After acknowledging the standing ovation, that greeted him when the concert was over, Perlman stated: ‘It is my duty to play with what remains.’  

Perlman had, based on his disability, learned early to play with what remained. You and I may have lost some in the storms of our lives. We may have been robbed of some of that which was dearest to us in life. But like Itzhak Perlman, it is our job to play with what remains, and do our utmost to play well.

Prayer

Lord thank you for all that is left in my life. Help me to not give up, but do my best and play as well as I can today.