Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: "Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." Proverbs 9:9, NKJV

I place the two slightly curved pieces of wood between my fingers, positioning them carefully with my thumb and little finger lightly cradling them, and give my wrist a sharp snap. If I have done it correctly, they will respond with a bright 'click.'
They are called 'bones' -a type of percussion musical instrument, used to accompany a peppy tune with a clack-clickety-clack . . . If you know how to do it!
I am not a very good "bone player," but I have tried to learn the technique to carry on the tradition of the grandfather and uncle who bequeathed the 'bones' to me.
Simple, huh? Take two pieces of wood, place them between your fingers, and give them a shake. Hah! I enjoy handing them to people, especially students at the schools where our band sometimes provides demonstrations of old time instruments, and watching them try to imitate even my simple example.
I find that there are three typical responses to my offer to help them become a bone player: Some refuse to even touch them. Others make a half-hearted attempt, and hand them back.. And a few, a very few, make a serious attempt at mastering the technique.
Isn't that just like life?
You've done it; I do it all of the time in my "Seeds" writings. The Bible is full of proverbs and pithy sayings, of sympathetic Psalms, of parables and prayers. We offer advice on things to do, ways to solve a problem, how to overcome life's dilemmas, and fully expect them to get it 'right off the bat'. "Here, just do this, and you will be "playing along" in no time! R-I-G-H-T ! ! !
Desire plays a large role in learning something new, of course. Many people have a burning desire, but never move beyond the "wannabe" stage. Their dreams are never fulfilled. It is like sitting in a car, but never starting the engine. Keep in mind the axiom that, "If all you ever do is what you have always done, all you will ever get is what you have always got."
First, people must be willing to accept instruction without feeling that it is a rebuke or an unkindly act, an intrusion into their private lives. They must be an open vessel, ready (and wanting) to be filled.
Second, they must feel a need to learn, to make a change in their lives, before anything will make a difference, whether coming from you, or I, or the Bible. We might call this "conviction," the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth. A truly life-changing conviction often comes only when harsh reality strips away all other choices.
Finally, empowerment makes learning possible. It's like turning on the switch, or shifting into drive. The goal or destination beckons, the pathway to achievement is illuminated, and the process of learning begins.
January 14, 2007