A fable written by Steven James in his book, Sailing between the Stars:
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 at the end of my day. (Unlike the Proverbs 31 Woman who never turns out her lamp.)Steven James is a captivating story-teller, and this fable spoke deep into my soul.
I knew it had to be shared with my friends. It’s beautiful and creative like you. It’s a wonderful portrait of our destiny. Our Calling. Our Purpose.
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.
[tweetability]Your Maker is so proud of you, and His heart is stirred when you fulfill your daily purpose.[/tweetability]
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 purpose was never meant to be fulfilled on our own. Never.
[tweetability]Purpose is always a team effort.[/tweetability]
May we take time today and every day to sit with our Maker and wait for Him to breathe life into us. Our song will stir more hearts if we do.
Especially His.
The Lord be with you!
Book Giveaway!
Who is your favorite author or what is one of your favorite lines from a book? Or…did this fable speak to you? Leave a comment to enter to win Sailing Between the Stars. (click to learn more about the book.)
Have a great weekend! Happy Mothers Day! See you Monday. I’ll announce the winner of the drawing with the Bite of Bread.
Andy- I look forward to reading your inspiring words everyweek. They help me to draw closer and trust our God more. You do have a gift from God which helps all of us to grow in faith. Thank You!!
Thank you Marilyn! So thankful these words inspire you. God is good! I’ve entered you into the contest!
Thanks. May we always stay pregnant, Andy. Pregnant with words of love and encouragement. Words from God’s heart
That word stuck out to me too, Sondra. :) You’re entered!
Andy, I was so stirred by the bit of the book you shared. It was like my soul was reaching out to what it recognized as kindred. Thank you for this opportunity. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
The fable is beautiful. I’m not surprised at all that your heart felt it. I’ll put your name in the basket!
What a wonderful fable. I would love to read the rest of the book….bit by bit as well….to absorb, to ponder, to enjoy. I truly enjoy your posts and your perspectives. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent with us. We can tweet it, email it, pin it, facebook it and continue the sharing!
Also, chuckled over the Proverbs 31 Woman comment. Thanks.
Sweet Rhonda, thank you for the kind words. “Amazing talent” is not mine. I’m humbled by those words, oh…if you only knew. When they flow and the flowing is life giving, it’s only from Him. But I’m so thankful He breathes through me once in awhile to sing His song. It’s such a joy to be His instrument, isn’t it? You are entered into the contest! Thanks for visiting and commenting. He breathed through you today too. Blessings!
Andy, I’ve taken a few of Stephen James’ workshops. He is a wonderful teacher as well as a fabulous writer. Though his thrillers are a bit too intense for me (The Pawn kept me awake several nights!), I would love to read this book :)
I’ve heard his fiction is scary! I haven’t been brave enough. I do love this nonfiction though. I’ll put your name in the basket!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Love it! Gotta get this book!
You would love it. If you don’t win, you can borrow mine. :) I’ll put your name in the basket. Thanks for reading and commenting, friend.
Andy – your writing is so beautiful! What a stunning gift you have and thank you so much for sharing it with us. You truly inspire me and seem to write what I need in the moment. Have an awesome day!
Thanks Esther! What sweet compliments. Thank you for reading. So thankful the Holy Spirit is in all of this. I’ll add you to the drawing! Much love.