Applied Lessons

I find myself reluctant to bid adieu whenever I come to the end of a season that was filled with blessings. Truth be told, not all blessings are roses. In fact, many blessings are indeed thorns or heart-wrenching concerns that plague the mind, heart, and body. Yet, I can honestly say that through it all, God always seeks to guide me to understand that life's thorns are lessons of transformation. They are mercies, blessings in disguise.

I have recently come to a point in my career as a university professor wherein I have the freedom to focus my energies solely on teaching applied lessons (one-on-one sessions of music instruction). Each applied lesson comprises mind-centering, a warm-up period, the main learning points (repertoire, technical concepts, etc.), and wrap-up. Flexibility being an absolute must, teachers learn to adjust their plan in order to conduct lessons in the most conducive way for learning to occur. Through laughter and tears (depending on the emotions/issues the student brings), my students and I often feel quite energized, renewed, and ready to tackle ensuing weeks after our time together.

In previous years, there were applied lessons peppered amidst academic classes I taught. Although I enjoyed teaching those classes a great deal, it is undeniable that there is something truly special about interacting with one student at a time for an entire session without the distraction of other students' needs or wishes. All performing musicians do enjoy that special connection with their teachers; they value the inherent growth that those lessons allow and foster in their lives.

I, for one, remember how truly vital my voice lessons at Eastman were in sending me on a path of complete transformation. It did not take my teacher very long to recognize my love for Christ. It was she who helped me realize that my faith held the key to unlock the full potential of my singing.

I liken that discovery to the one I made recently concerning the thorns of life. Each problem we encounter is a private lesson with the Holy Spirit who is the ultimate Teacher. Just like the music professor needs to be in the context of applied lessons, the Holy Spirit is flexible in dealing with us. He is always adjusting to meet our needs, His students. Yet, how often do we walk into the lessons of life with an attitude that counteracts the very work of the Master? How often do we fail to center our minds on heavenly things? How often do we approach our difficult circumstances without taking the time to "warm-up" properly by spending time in prayer and in the study of God's Word? How often do we miss opportunities to learn the main truths and concepts our Teacher wants to impart? And when those tough seasons are over, how careful are we to wrap-up well?

Job provides a great example for us. His were priceless lessons -- horrific news, painful sores, nasty betrayals, severe losses, philosophical dilemmas, and spiritual struggles -- that can still move us toward transformation:

He approached those lessons with an attitude of humility.
   Job 1:20, "He fell to the ground in worship."

He approached those lessons with an awareness of his spiritual poverty.
   Job 1:21a, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked will I depart."

He approached those lessons with a deep sense of gratitude.
   Job 1:21b, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away."

He approached those lessons with a readiness for worship.
   Job 1:21c, "May the name of the Lord be praised."

Those lessons provided a great opportunity for Job to honor the Creator with his allegiance. Those hardships became avenues for God to display His faithfulness to Job.

Granted, I am unaware of the current circumstances others are facing but I am certain that every human being on this planet is facing challenges. My hope is that the following words might bring encouragement to all:

Let us not be quick to resent and ward off the challenges that come our way. Instead, let us prepare ourselves for the transformative lessons our challenges represent. Let us seek to "warm-up" ourselves, as God's instruments, with humility, spiritual poverty, gratitude, and let us center our minds with a sense of readiness for worship. And, come what may, let us be transformed by the renewing of our minds even in dire straits.

A woman in dire straits by the name of Laura Story wrote this heart-stirring song which speaks directly to this topic. Please listen and let your heart be touched by the power of the Holy Spirit, the wonderful Counselor and Teacher. As we move into the future, may we not forget what the past brought us! May we keep growing in Christ and heeding the lessons of the Holy Spirit!

Yes, more lessons are coming . . .


www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ