"Because I See Potential In You"

           It was another battle at the piano with my 9-year-old son.  He reminded me, yet again, that he wanted to quit piano!  Normally, my response is, "You know the rule; as soon as you can play the hymns, you can be done.  You'll thank me one day!"
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          Today when he asked why he had to keep playing, my response was different.  It just came out without a second thought, "Because I see so much potential in you."

           That response seemed to have a more calming affect than the normal response.  We made it through the practice session, but it was me that was left in deep thought. 

          I immediately thought of some of the hard lessons I have learned in life, some of the challenges, and growing experiences that I have faced.  I have definitely had my share of asking God, "Why? Why do I have to go through this?"

          We all have those moments where we feel like quiting, as if quiting is going to really make us happy! But a loving Father encourages us to keep going because He sees our potential! He knows that if we forge ahead and keep practicing, keep trying, and keep taking lessons, then someday, we will look back and see the fruits of our labors.  Someday, we will thank Him for challenging us, pushing us, and encouraging us to keep practicing, and keep going.

          One of the greatest sources of happiness is looking back and seeing what we have accomplished in life and seeing who we have become amidst the struggles, the challenges, and the mundane "practice of life." 

          As we keep practicing and going through the lessons, we will inevitably learn to successfully navigate the keys of life and because of the struggle and the fight, our melodies will be full, rich in sound, and beautiful-all because our Maker knows our potential! 

          So, keep trying, keep going, keep learning, and keep playing in the melody of life.