Lessons From my Washburn (guitar)

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments 
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: Romans 12:5-6 a NKJV

I always look forward to the insights that Beth Allison shares over on her blog Lessons From a Lab I, on the other hand get to learn a few things from my Washburn. Now I freely admit that the photos Beth shares of her doggie friends, Adi and Summer are far cuter, than my guitar, but God uses what we each of have to teach us His truth, and it was kind of neat how changing and tuning six strings yesterday reminded me of today’s verse.

First, every string is different. Each of us requires our own individual amount of tension if we are going to sound our note. When we go around expecting others to be singing the same as us, we will not only be sorely disappointed, but we will also miss out on enjoying being ourselves. Some folks are low and slow, like Brother Low E, and others are temperamental and creative like the Mr. B-string, (whose soulful pitch sounds wonderful but goes out of tune the fastest!)

Secondly, each string has its own time and place to be playing during the song. Sometimes the lower strings remain silent, while the highest notes are trilling away, and yet they cannot leave the fretboard in a huff, demanding more attention. They must patiently wait their turn to become the baseline, that will help me to transition from the verse to the chorus. Yes, there are happy tunes when everyone gets to alternate in upbeat joyful praise, but best of all, are the moments when they join together in a final harmonic ring!

Last, I learned that the place assigned by the world to my strings is the exact opposite of how I relate to them. You see, Brother E, who is my lowest note is called my sixth string, and High E, who is his little sister, is called first. Though she may put on airs, when others call her the finest string of all, I would remind her that, from the musician’s point of view, it is the lowest string who is closest to me and nearest to my heart. But whether we are first or last, the most wonderful thing is that we are all his instrument, who He created and tuned to play a song of praise to Him today and forever!

Joy at the Hem of His Garment

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments 
They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. Mark 10:37

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. Luke 9:21 KJV

My recent bout with sickness, reminded me of the difference between the woman with the issue of blood, and the disciples, James and John. Like them, I am far more likely to “Claim my inheritance.” or say that “I am more than a conqueror”, instead of quietly seeking the low position at the hem of Jesus’ garment. But I discovered that there is nothing like severe chills, fever and weakness, to get me on my knees praying for God to calm my heart and give me strength. This morning, grateful to be feeling normal again, I remembered how these two brothers came up with a plan to leapfrog ahead of the other guys. It is almost funny to look at this same story in Matthew chapter twenty, where we find out that they had actually sent their mom to make the request. But if we would be honest, most of us would have to confess that we are not so different from these brothers. In our church, our small group or in our neighborhoods, we jockey for position, privilege or prestige, far more often than we humbly set our sights for a lowly unnoticed place. But the truth is that there is little blessing to be found in asking for prominence, but much joy and healing flows naturally when our hearts are willing to take the lowest place. A long time ago I wrote a poem that I hope may be a blessing for you today, and that you will find God’s acceptance and blessing at the hem of His garment! I also posted my favorite version of “Like a River Glorious” sung by Lindsey Kirkland with her new baby. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. Blessings all!

Grace for The Road

At the hem of the garment of Jesus
Is a place that is low and unseen
And a voice that is quiet and gentle
Calling to come follow Him

Some say they don’t want us around them
They’re more comfortable when we’re not there
But at the hem of the garment of Jesus
Is a place of acceptance and care

There the Lord and the ruler of Heaven
Shows His heart that is lowly and meek
For He’s ready to carry our burdens
And gives strength in the places we’re weak

So trust Him today and forever
Take hold of the hem of His robe
For He welcomes the humble and weary
And has promised us grace for the road!

Grace for the Road by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2020 ©

Just Like a Child

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments 
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:1-2 ESV
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com
 Just like a child I cried for things
That could not help me grow
And Insisted that the path
Went where I chose to go

But now I’m thankful for the work
You’ve given me to do
Like mowing lawns or writing verse
And singing songs for You

For simple friends and pulling weeds
And tears and fears now past
Which have helped me hear Your voice
That gave me peace at last!

Just Like a Child
By Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2023
All rights reserved