After a long absence from the stage, pianist Vladimir Horowitz was to perform in Chicago. Franz Mohr, the chief concert technician for Steinway and Sons, was assigned to make sure the piano was in perfect condition. He did so to the best of his ability, but wasn't able to relax until Horowitz had given a brilliant rendering of his first number.
As was his custom, the pianist left the stage -- but didn't return. Mohr was summoned backstage. "Where have you been?" exclaimed Horowitz. "I cannot play again. The piano stool is far too high!" Mohr nervously inquired at to the size of the problem. Horowitz held up his hand, his thumb and forefinger about a quarter of an inch apart.
I had to chuckle when I read this, but then stopped when I realized that I can sometimes be a bit of a perfectionist myself. I often need to step back and remember that God doesn't expect us to hit His ideal for us without His help.
"But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15
Let's remember that God loves us, and that His greatest goal is for our completeness in Him.
