Middle C

Elodie had just started taking piano lessons with her mom, and she couldn't wait to learn more. However, right after Mom explained how to find middle C, her brother Tanner excitedly barged into the house. "Mom, guess what! We picked out jobs at chess club today. Everyone wanted to be the president. We didn't want to argue, so we're all going to be the president! We're going to call it the Presidents' Club. Isn't that great?" As he talked, Elodie continued to practice and sing out, "Middle C, middle C, middle C." Tanner laughed. "She sure likes finding middle C." Mom nodded and led him to the kitchen. As she handed him a bowl of carrots and dip, she said, "Tell me more about this Presidents' Club. Who's going to collect money at the club events? Or take notes at meetings?" "I'm not really sure," said Tanner. "I guess we didn't think about that." Suddenly, Elodie's voice loudly interrupted them. "Middle C, middle C, middle C." This time, Tanner rolled his eyes. "Can't she play another note? This is getting annoying." "You're right, Tanner," said Mom. "Many notes are needed to make a song. People are that way too. Just like how the notes in a song blend together to make music, God created each of us with different interests and abilities for a reason."Mom glanced toward the other room when middle C rang out once again. "Think about your club, Tanner. God gave everyone in your group different abilities, and your club should put them all to good use so it can function the way it's supposed to. The church is like that too. As Christians work together and use our different gifts to help more people know Jesus, we're like a song that brings Him praise and tells the world of His love."Tanner thought about it as he bit into a carrot. "You know, I do enjoy math. Maybe I could help out as club treasurer! I'd rather do that than talk in front of the whole group anyway.""Middle C, middle C, middle C," Elodie continued to sing. Tanner covered his ears, and Mom laughed. "That sounds like a great idea. Now, I'd better go teach your sister a few more notes!"–Bethany Den Boer