Disappointing People

Ryan writing:

I remember a time when in high school where I had agreed to play the piano in jazz band. I was not equipped to play the jazz chords (really much different thought processes than the smutz chords that I usually played). They needed a piano player and I was willing to give it a go.

I held on to that jazz band music, not knowing exactly how to play it, and not knowing with my skill set if I ever could. I just knew that I really cared about my band teacher (Mr. Jensen) and that I did not want to disappoint him. Each day I held onto the jazz band music, my heart grew more and more weary, deeper and deeper into despair. It was a long process...I was caught between two hard places: my ineptitude of actual skill on the piano, and my disappointing my band director.

I remember the day and hour that I finally told Mr. Jensen that I couldn't play it and wasn't able to put in the time to learn how. I remember where I was sitting and can vividly recall his reaction...

Why do I write this? I write this really for my kids because the hope is some day they'll read through this blog and not live as a slave under other people's expectations. It really is pointless, because you really cannot please everyone, or better, you really cannot please anyone. The best thing to do - live to the Lord in everything and let the chips fall where they may. Christ said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:30). Believe it and live it.

Are you disappointed that I didn't tell you his reaction? :)