Thursday, October 29, 2009

THANKFUL THURSDAY ... being second fiddle


When my son played in band in jr. high, I remember him talking about "which" chair he had moved to in the trumpet section. The goal was to become first chair, unfortunetly he never made it that far. In an orchestra, the first-chair position is the most prominent and most high-profile place to be. This position usually means that this person is leading the rest by playing the main melody. While there are other trumpets in the horn section, they are not as honored as the lead trumpest.

Nobody likes to be "second fiddle" to anybody. It goes all the way back to grade school for some of us. We want to be on the winning team. We want to be picked first. We do not want to be left behind or worse yet left out.

However, in the spiritual world being "second fiddle" means that we are doing exactly what God has called us to do ... and that is to put others first. When we focus on someone else's achievements (or hardships like I posted about yesterday) while we stay back in the shadows, this may seem like second fiddle, but in God's eyes you have just taken first chair. He is keeping account and your selfless acts and unconditional love will be rewarded.

"Do not look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." PHILIPPIANS 2:4

So today, be thankful that you are second fiddle ... your recognition will come from the Father!


TT is hosted by LYNN today, stop by to see more grateful hearts today.
Next week you can find Thankful Thursday over at Iris's, see my sidebar for the upcoming schedule for TT hosts. HAPPY TT!


8 comments:

Debbie said...

Well as usual Laurie you have made such a GOOD analogy. God has really blessed you with this ability. It is just so true about us human beings. It does so go against our natures to be second at anything. But we are to ALWAYS put others first. Jesus Himself said in, Luke 13:30 "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last." Blessings to you, Debbie

Pia said...

very encouraging! our recognition will come from the Father. and we can be sure that when it comes from the Lord, it's going to be A-ok.

c said...

Laurie,

Your post struck a chord with me (yes, pun intended). For years I wanted to be first clarinet. However, as I matured as a clarinet player, I began to see the wonderful intricacies that playing second or third allowed for the music. Loved your post. It brought many memories to mind!

Cora

Melanie said...

Oh, Laurie how this posts speaks to me! For one, I can relate so well with your analogy as I worked for the "right chair" in band all thru my school years. But, most importantly, God has really been speaking to me about this for awhile. This whole concept is one that I struggle with regularly.... I truly want to be content WHEREVER God places me and I know that ANY role is just as important as another. My human nature so gets in the way sometimes!!

I'll be keeping the words in your post close!

Happy Thankful Thursday, my friend!

annies home said...

this post was needed because at times we do feel like second fiddle I am so glad that you opened my eyes to this

Bonnie said...

What a beautiful analogy. How clear it makes the concept - even if it can be hard to not covet that first chair position. :) Thank you for sharing your insight! Blessings.

Denise said...

Such a beautiful post.

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie,

being "second fiddle" means that we are doing exactly what God has called us to do...

Oh Amen... Amen... Amen