Learning and Adjusting

1 Thessalonians 5:21: 

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

I have recently taken on a part time position at our Christian school in which I am teaching music classes, which includes directing handchime choirs and vocal choirs. I love music, and I love kids, so this is a great, fun opportunity for me. But don't misinterpret the word, "fun" for lack of hard work! The hardest part for me is the planning part. Teaching theory is not a problem, but deciding on which songs to do with them out of hundreds of possible songs is hard, and figuring out which ones they'll like, which ones teach them some things about music in a practical way, which ones are on their level, etc. can be challenging.  In my opinion, music classes are fun by their very nature (as music is fun!), but still keeping order is a challenge for me. My spirit is like Fraulein Maria in the Sound of Music!

It is interesting as I study the situation at how much we as human beings can learn and adjust to new situations. Every day in every class I am learning what works, what doesn't work, what to change, what to adjust, and am working toward having awesome music classes for almost the entire school!

In life we have to be humble, and when coming across new situations, be willing to get out there and try, don't be afraid, and give it your best shot! In doing so, you may find that your first initial attempts are inadequate, so just roll up your sleeves and get in there and try again!  Keep a good attitude, and if you mess up or fall short, take a step back, look at the situation, be humble and see where you can make adjustments. Always keep in mind the overall goal.

For me in music, the goal is to inspire a love for music in my students, and teach them enough that they can grow and move on to learn to play musical instruments, participate more in their church's music ministry, enjoy playing and singing more, and use their talents to glorify the Lord!  It's also important to have an appreciation for everything God created, which includes music! Music is all around us, not only from our musical instruments that God gave each of us (our voices), but in others' voices (including animals), bubbling brooks, mighty waterfalls, birds, crunchy leaves in the Fall, windy days, and so many other beautiful sounds we hear every day, if we have been blessed with working ears.

Their best interest is always at heart, but in order to accomplish this, it is necessary to teach the theory and keep order in the class so it is an atmosphere of learning. Balanced in this is the performance part, which can be both fun and scary, especially when you have to get in front of others who may be judging you! My prayer is that my students will see themselves learning and growing in the area of music, and feel good about it by the end of their time with me. I hope they will take that love for music with them for the rest of their lives!

How about you? Have you had any situations in which you are either afraid to jump in, you fear rejection or failure, or you just can't be bothered with learning one more thing? It does take a lot of work, but what's the alternative? What do you have in life to show for your hours and days that are given to you by God? Are you productive? If you're super busy, is there anything that you can take out of your schedule so that you can make some time for something that might be exciting and challenging, and cause you to leave a legacy or at least make some kind of difference for good in this world? I hope that you have that opportunity, or can make that opportunity for yourself because it's very invigorating!

Don't be shy - get in there and do something good. Take on a new hobby that can do good in some way, read stories at the library to the children, teach an art class, learn a new instrument and play it at a nursing home or church or somewhere in which your music can bless others, lead an exercise class, volunteer at a hospital, take more time with your children or grandchildren, start a community garden, cut back your work hours so you can spend more time taking care of your home for your family, write a book, etc.  If you don't know what the desire of your heart is, pray and ask God to help you find what He wants you to do.  Life is an exciting journey! Don't hesitate to learn and grow, and adjust so you can be the best you can be for God! Give it all you got!

Proverbs 3:9: "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."


Give of your best to the Master
Words: Howard B. Grose, The Endeavor Hymnal, 1902.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth.
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave.
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.

Refrain

Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth.
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart.
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave.
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love.
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save.
Give Him your heart’s adoration;
Give Him the best that you have.