TONE
“Ugh...Stop...Stop
the noise...that sounds terrible” my brothers said the first day I brought my
clarinet home. There were lots of
whining and complaints. No applause for me that day.
The
first time I heard the low register of the clarinet, I knew it was the
instrument for me. It wasn’t shiny or sparkling, but playing it for the first
time became a special memory. Learning to play came easily to me. I just couldn't put it down.
Unfortunately, my
brothers didn’t share in my enthusiasm. I admit. I probably didn’t sound great.
For those who have ever heard a beginning clarinetist, you would certainly
share their sentiment. However, after years of practicing and ultimately achieving
professional status, I obviously improved. Turns out one of the best aspects of
my playing is the very special "tone" I achieve on my instrument. As
I progressed, I learned to become aware of every note and make each have a
sound pleasant to the ears.
What about you? Are
you aware of your “tone” ?
Although I’m not proud of
it, I am sometimes guilty of setting a bad tone. I’ve watched those I work with
and those I love affected. Much like that first night when my brothers
didn’t like the tone of my clarinet.
I’ve also been on the
receiving end. I've heard that tone that makes you want to crawl under your covers. Paralyzing. Demoralizing. Tempting shame. If you're not
aware it's them, you may think it's all your fault. Maybe it is, but their demonstrated tone escalates whatever
it is you might have done wrong into epic proportions.
When you get a firm grasp
on who you are in Christ –a sinner saved eternally by grace who continues to
work through salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12) - you recognize
when someone else’s tone belongs to them. Admit it. You've reacted that way too. The kind response is to give them mercy. Giving them the benefit of the
doubt even though they don't deserve it. Who knows. Maybe they are frustrated, stressed or feeling unheard.
Or just had a fight with their spouse, are swamped at work or something more serious on their mind.
If we are to truly apply
“Love your neighbor as yourself” we need to remember that when we are the on
the receiving end of a bad “tone” we may want to re-consider the times when we’ve
had a bad tone. A kind, loving response could actual set a completely different tone.
A
gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs
15:1
When
she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she
always says it kindly.
Proverbs
31:26
Now go out there, and
make some noise !
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