I Played My Best

I love the song The Little Drummer Boy. The drummer, a poor boy too, feels like he doesn’t have a gift that’s fit for a king. But then he realizes that he can play his drum for Him as a gift. Like the drummer boy, we all have something we can give and contribute, no matter how small. (Horton Hears a Who, anyone?)

“I played my best for him.” What is playing your best? What does that mean? Students often say they played things better when they were at home. If you have practiced and prepared the best you can, worked hard, and applied yourself the best way you know possible, then that is your best.

Or is it? What if your best isn’t good enough? Then what? There are a lot of flute players out there. How do you compete? How do you stand out? How do you find your place?

If you tried the best you can with the time frame and resources and energy you have been given, then that’s all you can do. Don’t beat yourself up over a memory slip or a missed note. Continue to work and learn and grow.

As you prepare for a new year, be ready to give it your best, whatever that is. That’s for you to decide. That’s all you can ask of yourself and that’s all God expects. Keep doing your best, just like the little drummer boy.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!