DRIVEN BY DESIRE

Young Antonio was driven by a desire to play the violin and sing. Unfortunately, his fingers were not nimble enough to move swiftly over the strings, and his voice sounded screechy. He went from one teacher to another, and then another. They all agreed that he would never be a great musician. They would laugh, and he would cry.

One day, by chance, he met Amati, a violin maker. He was very attracted to the sincerity and passion that Antonio had for music, even though he could neither play nor sing. “Son,” said Amati, “it is a song in your heart that makes the difference. There are many ways to make music. And you can make music if you want.”

Those words inspired Antonio, and he became an apprentice to Amati to learn how to make violins. In time, Antonio Stradivarius became the world’s greatest maker of violins. He was helped by a friend, something all of us can do for others.

The Apostle Paul had some great advice: “Don’t make your children – or anyone’s children – angry by the way you treat them.” The true purpose of guidance is to help children grow by example and encouragement. All children deserve a parent or teacher who is Christ-honoring, hard-working, accountable to God and others. Expressing love by being kind, patient, and encouraging to children, ours and others, is an honor and calling. Showing “our Father’s” love by encouraging and mentoring children is a gift we can all give to children.

Prayer: We pray, Lord, for opportunities to demonstrate Your concern for children. May we show Your love and grace by word and deed, and follow Your example. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:   Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4