After a courageous year following a severe stroke, my beloved entered eternal life earlier this month. He was my love, my joy, and my blessing. His presence is missed, his memory is precious, and his faith gives me hope that he is home in heaven. My faith gives me assurance of a reunion when God chooses to bring me home.

Today I heard a radio message by Dr. David Jeremiah, who shared a story about a little boy and a concert musician. I want to remember the musician’s words to the boy: “Don’t quit; keep playing.”

The boy had slipped away from his grandmother just before a concert. When the curtain opened he was seated at the grand piano and played a simple tune, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

The concert pianist quickly appeared on stage to offer him these instructions: “Don’t quit; keep playing.” The pianist then joined the boy at the piano, began accompaniment by adding first bass notes to the boy’s simple tune to develop a beautiful arrangement then ending with a concert-worthy finale on the treble keys all while adding to the boy’s novice efforts. The astounded and appreciative audience clapped their praises for the impromptu surprise melody and the difference of a master’s touch they had witnessed.

This story offers a spiritual lesson beyond that of a master pianist and a boy who followed his instructions of “Don’t quit; keep playing.”

A loving and wise God has provided instructions in His Word, the Holy Bible. We have only to follow His instructions for Him to bless with something beautiful in His time and in His way.

I choose to intentionally follow these verses: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
(Proverbs 3:5,6)

I expect my next walk through this life will be much different from that of the past 35 years and more difficult in many ways, but I will not be alone. The same loving Father Who took care of us during the past year will continue to be with me. I am assured that He will never leave me nor forsake me as promised: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them for the LORD your God is the One Who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

My desire is to walk closely to Him, to follow His steps, and to let Him direct my way to keep my path straight. I pray you will do the same, dear reader. With God’s help   and strength I will not quit, I will keep playing the music, and I will continue to live with hope.