For about a year now, I've been trying to learn how to play the guitar. I read a while ago that performing music activates multiple parts of the brain simultaneously and could stave off things like dementia. That, plus I've been interested in learning to play for some time. The pandemic finally gave me opportunity to try it seriously. I don't take real lessons; instead I've been learning from an app/online service called Justin Guitar (which I recommend). The great thing about learning from an app and online videos is that I can go at my own pace. The bad thing about it is I go at my own pace. I'm not pushed by someone else to get better - I have to rely on my intrinsic motivation to persevere even when my fingers hurt or I feel like I'm not making progress.After about a year, I have learned a few chords and can sort-of strum. I can't switch chords very fast and I don't know any songs. It is frustrating to try to keep doing the drills to get the physical skills down and not just play something. Still, I have to admit that I have made progress and a year ago I couldn't do what I can now.
I wanted a break from the drills, so I decided to try to learn to play an actual song. After searching around and considering it is close to Christmas (according to all the local stores anyway), I decided to learn Joy to the World. It's been a favorite hymn and carol and, more importantly, I know all the chords for the version I found.
This week, I made my first attempt. Now, this is the first time I've tried to play a real song AND sing along. Put simply, I stank. I may have some ability with individual skills but I struggled terribly to put it all together. I kept at it and got a little better, but ugh. No recording exists, and for good reason.
At the end of my attempts, I was dejected. I've been trying to learn this instrument for some time and it is frustrating that I seem to have so little to show. On a deeper level, I was a bit ashamed. Joy to the World, though sung at Christmas, is about the second coming of Jesus. He comes as the king (verse 1), sin is no more and the curse is undone (verse 3), and he rules the nations (verse 4). Simply, I'm a Christian and want to sing to my God of this blessed day to come. I believed I failed badly. It was frustrating to not be able to praise God well in this way.
However, I had forgotten two things. First, all our deeds, no matter how good or skillful or directed to God's glory, are like filthy rags before God. Our weak attempts at goodness and beauty can never measure up to the true perfection, righteousness, holiness, and glory of God and give him the praise he deserves. Second, God accepts our attempts at giving him glory. In the very same song I was trying to play, I was supposed to remember the "glories of his righteousness" and the "wonders of his love." If Jesus loves me, was willing to die for me, and to take on the judgment for my sins, if he accepts the two small coins of the widow, then surely he would welcome my poor attempt at singing his praise. My shame was misplaced.
So, I will keep trying to build my skill and get better. Not to gain coolness - there's no hope for that for me. I'm a middle-aged dad who drives a minivan and wears pleated khakis to work. But perhaps I can be a bit better at what I want to do: praise my savior.
I hope this encourages you in your own plodding. Try and plod well at tasks that are good and for God's glory.
