In college, I took private drum set lessons from the Professor of Percussion at Cameron University. I was still fairly new to the intricacies of the instrument and was struggling with a particular style of playing during one session. Jazz did not come natural to me, and I had tried for several days to nail a particular section of a song he had assigned to me. During that lesson with the professor, I was continuing to fail. Frustration had really set in. I had so much doubt in myself and my abilities.
Me and “Doc” had discussed our faith on multiple occasions, and I knew he was a Godly man. But in that moment, I was not prepared for what he did next. He saw where I was at mentally and after one particular attempt, suddenly jumped out of his seat, got close to me, looked me in the eyes, and reminded me that I am a child of God, and that anything is possible through him. He reminded me of the strength that Christ offers and that he knew I was capable and believed in me.
Despite my many failed attempts, his grace in that moment showed me that he understood where I was at. His words helped to combat my frustration. He could have reacted so many other ways, but his positive reassurance and understanding enabled me to reset and finally make it through the rough section of music. It wasn’t perfect, but I did it.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but his faith in me and the grace he showed that day shaped my passion for music. I might not have the love for drumming and music that I do today if it wasn’t for his reaction so many years ago.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
– 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Doug McAbee, Director of Visual Media
