The Best Guitarist in the World

These days, the first thing I look for when our church’s band starts playing on Sunday morning is who’s on electric guitar. In the last six months or so we picked up one of the most passionate electric guitarists I’ve ever seen.

His name is Nicholas. He’s about five feet tall. He’s got fast fingers and he rocks while he’s playing, as if the music has literally taken over, as if his soul has opened up and turned into one beautiful chord.

Did I mention that Nicholas has Down’s Syndrome?

He knows his guitar isn’t turned up, but that doesn’t stop him from playing. Or bending over and adjusting his amp. Or pausing in between songs to tune the strings. From where I’m sitting, it looks like he’s hitting every note, jamming with the best of them. He’ll give it the old windmill at the rocky parts, and he’ll slow down to a more sedate rhythm when the music demands it.

Most of all, you can tell he loves it – being up there, being part of the band, worshiping, performing. All of it. And he’s not going to let one small detail – the fact that his guitar isn’t turned all the way up – stop him.

I have a lot to learn from Nick.

When other bloggers’ posts are sounding more melodic than mine, do I let jealousy and dissatisfaction invade my spirit, or do I keep playing?

When other authors have books that seem to be taking center stage for a time, do I take my unplugged guitar and stomp off the stage?

Would I keep writing if I knew that God never planned on plugging in my equipment? Never intended to give me a solo? Would I keep working on my craft, fiddling with my amp, if I knew that no one was listening?

There’s something about the way Nicholas plays guitar that reminds me of how I should write, how I should live my life.

Thanks Nick.

9 Replies to “The Best Guitarist in the World”

  1. One of our church’s most beautiful and poignant moments was just after a sermon about making a place for various people in worship. A man with Down’s Syndrome who grew up in our church was known for coming up before and after the service to “conduct” for the worship team. This time as our final hymn played, the pastor brought him front and center. Then he turned him around. On this day, he would lead the congregation.

  2. For love, and not for anything else. If love is not at the center, then what do we have?

    I keep going even when no one shows up to comment–because I love it.

    Tweeted this the other day:

    “Spent many, many years denigrating my desire to write. No more. Even if I suck, if I don’t try it’s dishonoring to me–and to God.”

  3. I am so blessed by everyone’s positive comments. Nicholas teaches us all the time about what is important and what is not. He is all about people and relationships.

  4. Great info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thanks in advance :)

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