"It's Time for You To Play a Musical Instrument!" (Jeremiah 29:11 )

When I was eleven years old, I fondly remember a discussion with my parents that forever changed my life.

“Son,“ my father began. “We think it’s time for you to play a musical instrument.”

Oh boy, I dismissively thought! It’s going to be the piano and I hate the piano!

“...And your mother and I have decided it should be the guitar.”

Whoa! A smile came to my face as the words sank in.

“Wow!” I stammered. “I would have thought you wanted me to play the piano.”

My parents smiled. “We did. But we thought that we would rather have you play an instrument that you can carry with you. We thought the guitar would be great to bring to a friend’s house and to parties.”

I was elated! Playing a guitar was cool! From the moment I first touched the guitar, I fell in love with it. It is a love that continues to this day. I have played the recorder and ukulele in elementary school and the violin in middle and high school orchestras, but no other musical instrument ever captured my heart like the guitar.

My parents had a keen understanding of my abilities and interests. Although I had never voiced a desire to play guitar or any musical instrument, they picked the right fit for me.

God is much like this. He may present a situation that does not fit with my preconceived notion of what I can accomplish. But He gives me what I need, not necessarily what I want or desire.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

My parents knew what was good for me. God knows me better than my parents and even more than I know myself. I should accept all challenges and opportunities He places in my path because He has my best interests in His heart to give me a future and a hope.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.