What To Do, When Life 'Snaps'

There’s a great story regarding Itzhak Pearlman the great violinist – as he was playing a major concert – at the famed Lincoln Center, in New York City.  Why right at the very outset of his performance – a string broke and popped on his prized violin – much to the shock and horror of his sophisticated, Lincoln Center audience.  But then Pearlman surprised his audience.  Why rather than stopping and replacing his broken string – Pearlman played on nevertheless; translated Itzhak Pearlman did not stop the music – rather he continued to play the music – marvelous music, I might add – nevertheless.  And after words – not surprisingly – Pearlman received his usual standing ovation.  But then Pearlman turned to his audience – and held up his broken violin:  “Sometimes: -- he commented.  “It is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left…”

It is often the Believer’s task to find out how much music we can still make with what we have left; but praise God, because of Jesus, we can do just that -- making music, marvelous music – nevertheless.  

One strategy for doing that, is itemizing, inventorying what indeed is 'left' in our lives.  Recently I ran across an insightful quote in that regard:  “Realize:  someone is praying – right now -- for the very things you take for granted.  So be thankful!” (anonymous; adapted).   

Wow – think about that.  Someone is praying -- right now -- for the very things you and I take for granted.   

I mean someone is praying -- right now -- for food -- most of us have food.  Someone is praying – right now - for shelter -- most of us have shelter.  And so to quote the old gospel hymn: count your blessings.   Translated:  inventory, itemize what is still secure, not just what you have suffered.   

Matthew Henry is one of the greatest Bible commentators of all time.  Once, however, Henry was brutally robbed and his wallet and all of its contents was taken.   Well at first, Henry, like any of us, was shook up, even incensed.  But then Henry began to inventory his blessings.  Writing in his diary, Henry declared.  I thank thee Lord -- “…first -- because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.” Amazing!  http://www.keepbelieving.com/2010/11/25/matthew-henrys-thanksgiving/ 

Now in all honesty I can't match Matthew Henry's depth of thanksgiving; translated: unlike Henry, I obsess over the depth of my pain – not the depth of God’s provision.

However – if I am honest – God’s provision is greater than my pain.

Thus, I need to keep itemizing God’s provision – inventorying God’s provision – counting my blessings -- especially -- when life 'snaps.