It has been nearly a year since I first shared the story of an incredibly talented violinist and his response to a sudden change in the middle of a performance. Since that time change and its unpredictable companions (trials, tests, tribulations and challenges) have continued to march on. Metaphorically speaking life is a lot like a performance. There are times for preparing, times for practicing, and times for performing. But change doesn't wait for preparation or practice to be complete. It comes without fanfare or even the simple announcement, "Ready or not here I come." It can and often does appear like an invited guest during any and all phases of life. Even if we are not ready, or at least we don't feel ready, change comes.
If you already enjoyed this story once, think of this like a brief refresher course with some new thoughts at the end. If this is your first reading, "Bon appétit!"
This past year a good friend in his 50’s suffered a stroke. It was unexpected, unwanted and changed his life. From time to time I’m reminded how often life throws us or a loved one a curve ball, a change up or a blistering fastball in on the hands. When this happens it can be hard to stay in the game, let alone step up to the plate, tap the clay from your cleats and take a swing.
Many years ago, violinist Itzhak Perlman gave a performance in New York. During the concert one of the strings on his violin suddenly broke. The crowd gasped at the sound, which could be heard throughout the entire auditorium, and the music abruptly came to a stop.
The crowd waited patiently for Mr. Perlman to replace the string. However, much to everyone’s surprise, Perlman didn’t rush to find a new string. He took a moment to gather himself before he motioned for the conductor to begin playing again where the orchestra had left off! For the remainder of the concert, Perlman played the music that should have been played on four strings on only three.
As Itzhak finished playing, for a moment, time slowed and silence filled the air then the audience rose to its feet to offer a standing ovation for this incredible feat. Perlman smiled and humbly raised his bow. “You know,” he told them, “sometimes it is the artist’s task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left.”
In life, when something breaks or changes, does the loss stop us or do we persist? Do we continue making music with what we have?
It has been said,
“The only constant in life is change.”
Something is always changing. Some changes are relatively insignificant, while others can seem overwhelming. Change need not be negative: it often reminds us of the many wonderful blessings we take for granted. Change can be humbling. It can be the prelude to introspection, self-improvement, and spiritual growth. Each change in life brings with it a unique set of challenges to be mastered.
“Persistence and the fortitude that enable us to press forward with cheerfulness through physical limitations and spiritual difficulties are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord.”
Life’s setbacks are chiseled and sculpted, transformed from stumbling blocks into stepping stones by persistence. With creativity and patience a meaningful life goes on!
When changes happen all we can do is decide how we will respond. And that will depend a great deal on our preparation. How fast we adjust or adapt to changes will depend on how well we've practiced, or even more importantly what we've practiced. Like being patient and listening for spiritual promptings and inspiration.
Change can bring uncertainty and cause fear. Both of which are not conducive to happiness. For change to have a beneficial effect or growth inspiring outcome our response to it must be controlled and governed. And that happens best when we take the time to prepare and practice.
When we fail to prepare then change can lead to chaos, confusion and additional stress. Confusion precipitates indecision, anxiety and additional challenges.
But challenges are often unpredictable, how can we prepare for the unknown?
You could say its a lot like preparing to be a first responder, trained to give aid at an accident scene or natural disaster. Preparing first for the known possible challenges and then incorporating sound routines into our daily life will enable us to make early assessments, rapid decisions and immediate intervention where warranted.
Exactly what should be included on your daily list of routine practices and preparation is largely personal. But a short list of things that should be on all of our lists might included, personal prayers, personal scriptures study, time to mediate or ponder, quality time with family members, and saying I love you to your spouse and children as often as possible.
The scriptures clearly teach us that if we are prepared we shall not fear. Eliminating fear from any equation is key to assessing changes, prioritizing challenges and making good decisions.