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 spotted¹ a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle² 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 spotlights³ focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the key- board, 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 bass⁴ part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice⁵ transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized⁶.

That’s the way it is in life. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t exactly graceful⁷ flowing music. But when we trust in the hands of a Greater Power, our life’s work truly can be beautiful.

Next time you set out to accomplish great feats⁸, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”