A fable from, Sailing Between the Stars, by Steven James
The craftsman fingered the flute he had just made. “My child, you’re newly born, but already pregnant. You’re pregnant with wedding songs and funeral dirges and lyrical tunes of the traveling bands. The music of the world lies in your heart, and the songs of the ages sleep in your soul.”
And the flute was silent in reply to all his words.
“Ah, how could I expect you to answer me?” he laughed. “You’re empty and haven’t yet learned to sing. But now, the waiting is over.” He lifted the flute to his lips and added, “It’s time to give birth to a song!”
And he began to play.
And as his breath gave life to the song, the flute finally replied to her maker. And her song was so sweet and the melody was alive and she brought tears to the eyes of the old man, even though he was the one who played the music and he already knew the song.
Still, she made him cry.
Just as he had designed her to do.
I’ve been reading Sailing Between the Stars bit by bit before I turn out the lamp next to my bed and end my day. I giggle at the thought that I have a date with Steven James every night. I am often captivated by his stories. This fable is no different.
When I read it, I knew it had to be shared with my Marys. It is beautiful and creative like you. And it is a wonderful portrait of our destiny. Our Calling.
I love how the flute maker knows his creation; He knows its purpose and the beauty it can make, but despite that knowledge the flute maker is moved by the music of his flute. When he breathes life into her, her song brings tears to his eyes. When she sings, his heart is stirred. Even though he knew she could sing such beauty, he is with her in the moment. And in that moment even the maker is touched by his creation’s song.
Your Maker is so proud of you, and His heart is stirred when you fulfill your purpose. Even though He knows the future, it never takes Him away from the present. He is with us in the moment.
The flute could not sing without the breath of her maker. Neither can we. Our Calling was never meant to be fulfilled on our own. Never. It was and is always a team effort.
May we take time today and every day to sit with our Maker and wait for Him to breathe life into our daily Call. Our song will stir more hearts.
Especially His.
Much grace,
andy
I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:16-19).
