THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK DEVOTIONAL.
The Piano Competition.
By Deborah Shaffer
April 27th, 2026
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23–25
Every year, my piano instructor would enter my sisters and me into the local county musical competition. We would practice for months on end to learn and memorize the piano arrangement selected for us. I would practice for hours upon hours with the hope of bringing home a gold medal.
In this particular contest, we were not compared to anyone else’s performance but judged instead on how well we played our selected piece. Anyone and everyone could bring home a gold, silver, or bronze medal—or none at all.
One year, I remember waking up on the day of this event not feeling well. It was a struggle to get motivated to go, but I knew I must. So reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready. I wasn’t terribly ill, but I certainly was not at 100 percent, either.
Although Mom usually took us, Dad was the one accompanying us that year. We entered the school building and found our way through the chaotic crowd to the room we’d be performing in. As I awaited my turn, I leaned up against my dad’s shoulder, resting my aching head and just wanting to be at home in bed.
Finally, my turn came, and my name was called. I stood and walked over to the judge, handed him my sheet music, and sat down at the majestic grand piano. I knew in my heart this was my one and only chance to do the best I could do, but all I could think about was to get it over with as soon as possible. The judge gave me the nod, and I sped through the piece, knowing very well that I was not keeping proper time but rushing it. I didn’t care. I just wanted to go home, and in a few minutes, it was all over.
I stood up, received my applause, and found my way back to my seat. It was now a memory—and I would never get the opportunity again to give it my all. I knew I had not done my best, and for a short time, I didn’t care. When the medals were given out, I received a silver one, and suddenly it dawned on me: If I had just slowed down and given it my all, I would have gotten a gold! Disappointed with myself, I returned home.
Even though this took place nearly 50 years ago, I still remember it clearly. I’ve learned the valuable lesson of doing my best and giving it my all. Every day is a gift from God and an opportunity to glorify Him in our work. We are told to praise Him with everything we say and do because when the day comes, and we see our Lord, we will be accountable to Him. We won’t be compared to anyone else, for He knows the talents He has given each of us, personally. We won’t get a second chance. This is the day God has given you—honor Him today!
The Piano Competition.
By Deborah Shaffer
April 27th, 2026
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23–25
Every year, my piano instructor would enter my sisters and me into the local county musical competition. We would practice for months on end to learn and memorize the piano arrangement selected for us. I would practice for hours upon hours with the hope of bringing home a gold medal.
In this particular contest, we were not compared to anyone else’s performance but judged instead on how well we played our selected piece. Anyone and everyone could bring home a gold, silver, or bronze medal—or none at all.
One year, I remember waking up on the day of this event not feeling well. It was a struggle to get motivated to go, but I knew I must. So reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready. I wasn’t terribly ill, but I certainly was not at 100 percent, either.
Although Mom usually took us, Dad was the one accompanying us that year. We entered the school building and found our way through the chaotic crowd to the room we’d be performing in. As I awaited my turn, I leaned up against my dad’s shoulder, resting my aching head and just wanting to be at home in bed.
Finally, my turn came, and my name was called. I stood and walked over to the judge, handed him my sheet music, and sat down at the majestic grand piano. I knew in my heart this was my one and only chance to do the best I could do, but all I could think about was to get it over with as soon as possible. The judge gave me the nod, and I sped through the piece, knowing very well that I was not keeping proper time but rushing it. I didn’t care. I just wanted to go home, and in a few minutes, it was all over.
I stood up, received my applause, and found my way back to my seat. It was now a memory—and I would never get the opportunity again to give it my all. I knew I had not done my best, and for a short time, I didn’t care. When the medals were given out, I received a silver one, and suddenly it dawned on me: If I had just slowed down and given it my all, I would have gotten a gold! Disappointed with myself, I returned home.
Even though this took place nearly 50 years ago, I still remember it clearly. I’ve learned the valuable lesson of doing my best and giving it my all. Every day is a gift from God and an opportunity to glorify Him in our work. We are told to praise Him with everything we say and do because when the day comes, and we see our Lord, we will be accountable to Him. We won’t be compared to anyone else, for He knows the talents He has given each of us, personally. We won’t get a second chance. This is the day God has given you—honor Him today!
THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK DEVOTIONAL.
The Piano Competition.
By Deborah Shaffer
April 27th, 2026
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23–25
Every year, my piano instructor would enter my sisters and me into the local county musical competition. We would practice for months on end to learn and memorize the piano arrangement selected for us. I would practice for hours upon hours with the hope of bringing home a gold medal.
In this particular contest, we were not compared to anyone else’s performance but judged instead on how well we played our selected piece. Anyone and everyone could bring home a gold, silver, or bronze medal—or none at all.
One year, I remember waking up on the day of this event not feeling well. It was a struggle to get motivated to go, but I knew I must. So reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready. I wasn’t terribly ill, but I certainly was not at 100 percent, either.
Although Mom usually took us, Dad was the one accompanying us that year. We entered the school building and found our way through the chaotic crowd to the room we’d be performing in. As I awaited my turn, I leaned up against my dad’s shoulder, resting my aching head and just wanting to be at home in bed.
Finally, my turn came, and my name was called. I stood and walked over to the judge, handed him my sheet music, and sat down at the majestic grand piano. I knew in my heart this was my one and only chance to do the best I could do, but all I could think about was to get it over with as soon as possible. The judge gave me the nod, and I sped through the piece, knowing very well that I was not keeping proper time but rushing it. I didn’t care. I just wanted to go home, and in a few minutes, it was all over.
I stood up, received my applause, and found my way back to my seat. It was now a memory—and I would never get the opportunity again to give it my all. I knew I had not done my best, and for a short time, I didn’t care. When the medals were given out, I received a silver one, and suddenly it dawned on me: If I had just slowed down and given it my all, I would have gotten a gold! Disappointed with myself, I returned home.
Even though this took place nearly 50 years ago, I still remember it clearly. I’ve learned the valuable lesson of doing my best and giving it my all. Every day is a gift from God and an opportunity to glorify Him in our work. We are told to praise Him with everything we say and do because when the day comes, and we see our Lord, we will be accountable to Him. We won’t be compared to anyone else, for He knows the talents He has given each of us, personally. We won’t get a second chance. This is the day God has given you—honor Him today!
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