The Imprint of the Master’s Hand

Cuqui Younger

August 2008 - Hope Christian Academy September-October 2008 Newsletter

As usual, I read a book while my daughter played.  Four years of weekly lessons were quickly ending, culminating in a concert.  Close to the recital all the pieces were played by memory.  On this, the second to the last meeting, the teacher approached the piano at the end of a piece.  His words caught my attention.   “As you played and I looked at your score,” he told her, “I was gratified to realize that you were applying all the recommendations I had written during previous lessons.  It is uncommon to find a student who listens so closely.  Most of them will follow what I say as long as I’m watching, but will forget when I walk away.  It’s like pressing your hand on memory foam; it responds to the touch while there’s pressure, but soon returns to it’s previous shape.” 

As a mom I was pleased to hear my daughter so praised, but soon other thoughts crowded my mind. 

First came the parallel scenario—my child still the student, but I as the teacher.  What am I imprinting in each of my children’s lives?  If they are so eager to learn from a teacher, my responsibility is great.  As a home schooling mom I’ll leave an imprint in many areas of their lives. 

Then a complementary thought formed—I as the student and the Lord Jesus as the teacher.  How closely am I putting into action His teachings?  Do I read the Bible and reflect on the marvelous teachings only to close the Book and go back to my old ways?  If I read, “Love bears all things,” do I overlook a slight?  Am I patient and kind?  Do I put the welfare of others before my own?  Do I pick up my cross daily and follow Him?

Then I saw the relationship between the two ideas.  If the imprint of my Master’s nail scarred hand is in my life, it will be much easier to put that same imprint in the lives of my children, to lead them to the place where they will bear that mark humbly, gladly, gratefully.