The composer Stravinsky had written a new piece with a difficult violin passage. After it had been in rehearsal for several weeks the solo violinist came to Stravinsky and said he was sorry, he had tried his best, the passage was too difficult and no violinist could play it. Stravinsky said, “I understand that. What I am after is the sound of someone trying to play it.” While this conversation took place between a musician and a composer, it could have taken place between God and a disciple.
Disciple: I’m sorry but the part you have given me to play in life is much too difficult. I’m doing my best and yet it is still too difficult. I am not good enough.
God: I understand that. What I am after is the sound of someone trying their best to live the life that has been given them.
Live your life today. The best that you can. And know that it's enough.
Jim
(thanks to my friend Tara Barber for sharing this story with me)
