Yesterday was an exciting day in my elementary music classroom. At least I think so. The children got to play four different instruments: hand drums, rhythm sticks, tambourines, and triangles!
We hadn’t played the triangle before, so I demonstrated the proper technique. Of course, my students were anxious to try out this new instrument, but there weren’t enough of them to go around.
“We’ll take turns,” I said with a grin. “Don’t worry, boys and girls, no matter what instrument you start with, you’ll get to play them all!”
So, after randomly passing out six triangles, and assigning each row of kids one of the other three instruments, the fun began. Each time we played through a song, we traded instruments and enjoyed another one.
Everybody was having a blast, except one little boy. He just sat there, tears rolling down his face.
I offered him a tissue; this is always a good door-opener. “What’s the matter, young man?” I said with genuine concern. “I want to play a triangle,” he blubbered. “Everyone does,” I responded. “That’s why we’re taking turns.“
I encouraged him to choose another instrument and wait for his debut on the triangle, but he refused. My student sat there and quietly sobbed, mopping his face with a soggy tissue for the rest of the class period.
It’s common for some children to struggle with delaying gratification. As I watched my young friend languish in unnecessary sorrow, I realized: it’s the same with the children of God. Sometimes, when we don’t get what we want, we’d rather throw an unholy hissy fit than wait our turn.
Meanwhile, Jesus reaches with open arms, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” –John 15:7 (NIV)
Kind reader, our journey with Christ is like a parade, and God has the aerial view. But all we can see is what passes in front of us. Keep faith! On the road to heaven we’ll get to “play them all.”
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
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Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
54 responses to “You’ll Get to Play Them All”
Thank you so much, Tina. Working with children is a humbling experience – at least it should be. I try hard to be the best example possible, and Jesus helps me do this. Being too hard on myself is like a second hobby! It’s a good thing God is merciful with us his children. Thank you for your wonderful thoughts!
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I am definitely one of those grown up kids who struggles with waiting. The sorrow is partly impatience, but I’m also coming to terms with the fact that I am too hard on myself. It’s been a long road. It’s not been an easy one. I’m doing the best I can, and God is patiently handing me the tissue, He will also patiently finish the work He’s started on me with great compassion and mercy. Some love is tough love, but I do also need to show my self some grace. We all do. It’s a wild world, and I sometimes understand why some people prefer animals over people. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 But I do still have a heart for others, so we march on and with strength from God we won’t become weary in doing good while we await our turn to play the triangle. 😊
Yep, you’re still one of my favorite bloggers David. Keep em smiling, encouraged, and looking to Jesus. God bless.
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Agreed, but why can some children cook better than you?
Seriously, you’re right, Matt. Growing up in Christ means taking up our cross and following Him.
Thanks for stopping by. God Bless!
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It is interesting that in the midst of a chapter in 1st Corinthian 13 about serving in the body Paul included- When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
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Amen, Nancy! Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, the devil loves to get us under the influence of self pity. It’s like a drug, to some.
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What a meaningful lesson you’ve drawn from Friday’s music class, David. Self-pity is such an ugly character trait! Lord, forgive me when I’ve blubbered in self-centeredness, whining about circumstances not to my liking. Thank you for continuing to teach me and grow me into your image.
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Thank you, brother. God Bless.
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Waiting our turn is so hard sometimes as is waiting in general. I love how you used the illustration of the young boy here to make your point. Your post reminded me of being in music class in elementary school. Fond memories. Great post, David!
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“If we want God’s promises, we must submit to His processes.”
This perfectly sums up what I wanted to say, Chris. Thank you, and God Bless.
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We all struggle with trying to get what we want when we want it. All of God’s promises come with God’s processes (like your process for switching instruments). If we want God’s promises, we must submit to His processes or we’ll be like this young man sitting in a corner mad at God and everyone else while the blessings He has for us pass us by.
Thanks for sharing.
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You did a great job with it!
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You’ve summarized what I wanted to say in far fewer words. Thank you!
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I too have had a soggy face throwing an unholy hissy fit. I am learning that waiting on God’s timing is best because then I will experience ALL of the abundance He wants to share with me. I will get a turn to play the triangle, in His own good timing. Your posts are always such a joy to read!
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Amen! Thank you 🙏🙏 David and I look forward to hearing from you about my blog.
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You’re welcome, Sarah! I knew, as I watched my young student struggle, that God was sending me a deeper message. I’m glad it resonates with you, too. Thank you for stopping by. I will check out your blog today! God Bless.
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One of the lessons God is gradually teaching me now is patience. Thank you David for this amazing post I really needed it.
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I’ve had my times of sulking before God as well. Yes, it’s wonderful that our Heavenly Father is gracious. I am grateful for your input, Nicola. God Bless!
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True. Sometimes, we simply don’t trust that God has our situation well in hand, so we choose doubt and despair. #badidea
Your wisdom and biblical perspective are always helpful, Manette Kay. Thank you, and God Bless.
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It’s beautiful that we can be learning from the stories you post of these little ones all the time. I can be mature in some ways and so immature in others. Hissy fits….I’ve had a few (ok more than a few) myself. God’s so gracious and patient.
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David, this is a great lesson about patience and trusting the teacher. If the little guy trusted your words were true, then maybe patience wouldn’t have been an issue. When I get caught in an unholy hissy fit, sometimes it’s a trust issue because I’m not accepting the truth of the Teacher’s word.
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It’s harder for some kids than others, as I’m sure you’ve experienced.
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Poor little guy.
Taking turns is hard
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Actually, he did—on the last turn. Thank you for stopping by! God Bless.
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I hope he got to play the Triangle before class was over.
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Thank you, Beth. I am guilty of a hissy fit, or a few myself. Yes, it’s wonderful that God doesn’t give up on us. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!
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Ouch! I’m completely guilty of throwing an “unholy hissyfit” or two. Thank goodness the Lord is gracious to forgive. I love the picture your words painted- “our journey with Christ is like a parade, and God has the aerial view. But all we can see is what passes in front of us. Keep faith! On the road to heaven we’ll get to “play them all.”
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Thank you, SimplyB! Every time I throw a pity party nobody comes.😔 Yet, most of the time, things turn out just fine. And God says, “It’s all good.” I appreciate your encouragement! God Bless.
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Such a great post, as always. God really does have the perfect view and impeccable timing. But like your sobbing friend, I can get pretty wrapped up in a big ol’ pity party from time to time. Thanks for the reminder that all is well.
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Guilty. 😔 Thank God for His
Amazing Grace! 😊
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Yes, that sums it up well….rather than letting God help us through, we want God to navigate us around life’s issues.
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Agreed, Andy B. My problem is I occasionally want the Lord to give me the “heavenly helicopter “ traffic report. But it’s best to just see what’s straight ahead. Thank you for reading and sharing. God Bless!
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“Kind reader, our journey with Christ is like a parade, and God has the aerial view.”
So glad He has the better view
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Thank you, David. Enjoy your day!
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Me too! Thank you for reading and commenting.
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Oh boy, I’ve been guilty of a hissy fit or two! Such a great reminder to “wait our turn” and I loved the parade analogy. Thank you for sharing this post!
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And a beautiful neighborhood!
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Yes, we are back home. Our cat did fine. We have all the automatic stuff – feeder, water, and cat litter box, and we have two neighbors who take turns visiting her. We are fortunate to have very nice neighbors.
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That’s such a great description!!!
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Good to know. Glad you are safe and sound!
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We evacuated inland but when the storm changed track, we ended up in an area that lost power for about 24-36 hours. Returning home. it was amazing to find there was little damage here and the lights only flickered a couple of times.
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I’m reminding myself, too, Betty. I spent two
years, after some significant life trauma, saying “It’s not fair!” God was very patient with me and has brought restoration. Are you back home now? How did your cat do while you were gone?
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I’m sure I borrowed the parade analogy from someone, but I don’t remember who. It’s accurate, though! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, as well. Do you have any damage from the hurricane? Did you lose power?
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Oh, I love your word picture of a parade. Yes! All I can see (and hear) some days is the guy with the big bass drum in front of me while I am marching onward to Zion. Death may be the final enemy to be defeated but at least for me patience is the gift that has come late in life. Have a wonderful weekend, Dave.
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I’ve heard the Christian journey compared to a tapestry: we see the back of it (which looks a bit disheveled) but God sees the front, which clearly shows the accurate picture.
Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!
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Thank you for your post which reminds me to be patient and trust in God.
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Yes, you certainly learn patience on the Christian road! But, when we look back, we see that God was always in control, and had planned for our good. Thanks for another fun post, David!
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Amen, sister! Thank you for stopping by. God Bless.
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Such a great lesson, no matter what age we are. Thank you, David. May we learn to trust the Lord and find our contentment in Him. ✝️🙌🙏
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Yes, thank God! As I watched the young boy struggle, the Holy Spirit said, “There you go, David. Welcome to my world.”
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“Languishing in unnecessary sorrow”….oh dear, thank God He doesn’t give up on us or in to us when we’re having a hissy-fit!
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Thank you, brother. I tend to be one of those driven folk who is never quite satisfied. My kind wife reminds me that perhaps I’m right where I need to be with Lord. Blessings!
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Indeed, brother! God’s patience with us is remarkable. Thanks for stopping by! God Bless.
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This is a good one David, but then again…all your posts are good brother!😁
We may sit patiently praying, but we want His answer now. We need to wait our turn in Father God’s perfect timing, for our time with the triangle. Life is like this too in the long term, some day we will get Home and play the sweetest sounding music to praise Him.
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Great post, David! “Hissy fits” – got the T-shirt on that one. Kind of embarrassing and hard to believe at times. God’s patience with us is amazing! Blessings! ❤️
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