I thought I'd share with you what hard thing I have been doing lately, and what I'm learning from it.About a month ago, our church decided to hold guitar lessons for those who were interested. In these lessons, we would be taught how to play the classical way, by reading notes, and not by plucking or strumming chords.
My mom said she'd sign me up. I have to admit that I was pretty reluctant at first, because I haven't had much experience playing the guitar, and because I wasn't so sure I'd be quick enough to learn everything taught. Nevertheless, my mom insisted that I should, and so I had no choice.
Our first session was two Sundays ago. We were given assignments to help strengthen our left and right fingers. Honestly, it was so difficultt. It was hard to concentrate, hard to keep on practicing - especially since my fingers wouldn't obey and press or pluck the right strings. It was a temptation to practice just for 30 minutes per day (the minimum time given to us to practice) even if I knew that it would be better for me to practice a full hour.
It was a struggle, but I learned a lot during that long week (and I'm still learning!). I learned patience and dilligence. I learned to set a goal for practicing, and I learned how to meet it.
Someone said that "musicians love to perform but they hate to practice." Every time I hear that, I can't help but laugh because that is true. No, I guess I don't really hate practicing, but it's just difficult to set aside a few hours every day to devote yourself to practicing a piece over and over again. Still, I know that it is something that will help me, and I know that I must do it.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me..." and it's a verse I always keep in mind especially when my back and fingers start to ache. I know that I can be strong in anything - even in playing the guitar - as long as Christ is with me.
