Rays of Son, week of Sept. 26, 2010
Use your talents,
Pray, perform, practice
By Greg Miller
Blake and Blocker were both destined for greatness.
Blocker was a talented pianist, while Blake was an accomplished quarterback on his high school football team.
Blocker practiced his craft every day after finishing his homework. His favorite types of music included gospel and classical.
Blake’s dad, Brook, tossed the football with his son every day after school. Brook told Blake, “I believe you have a future in pro football.”
Brook encouraged Blake to do his homework before the football sessions began. “Even if you play pro football, eventually you’ll need a college degree for a second career,” Brook said.
“Thanks for the advice, Dad,” said Blake.
Ten years later, Blake and Blocker met for the first time.
Blocker had become a successful pianist, and he was scheduled to perform during the halftime program of a professional football game in which Blake was playing. Blake was his team’s starting quarterback, and he threw the football for three touchdowns during the first half.
Blocker played a variety of songs. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.
The team’s coach, Bernie, asked Blake to invite Blocker to stand next to the coach on the sidelines during the game’s second half.
“It will be my pleasure,” Blocker said. “I’ve been a fan of the team for several years.”
“I enjoy listening to your music, especially the Christian songs, when I’m in the car,” said Blake.
“Thanks very much,” said Blocker.
“I know we just met,” said Blake. “But I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor.”
“Sure thing,” said Blocker. “What is it?”
“My son, Broderick, is celebrating his 10th birthday today,” said Blake. “We’re having a party for him after the game, and I was hoping you could come to our home and do a private concert for him.”
“I’ll be happy to do that,” said Blocker.
“Broderick likes all of your music,” Blake said. “You’re such an inspiration to him that he wants to become a professional pianist.”
After the game, Blake took Blocker to Broderick’s birthday party. Everyone gathered in the Piano Room, where Blocker delighted the guests with his musical ability.
“Thanks for coming,” said Broderick.
“You’re welcome,” said Blocker. “Your dad says you want to become a professional pianist.”
“That’s true,” said Broderick. “Your music is so inspirational and beautiful. I’ like to be able to touch the lives of others in the same way you’ve touched mine. Would you be willing to share some success tips with me?”
“I have three very important tips,” said Blocker. “Pray, prepare and practice, Pray that the Lord will direct you as you use your talents. Prepare for each performance and practice every day. You’ve heard the saying, ‘Practice makes perfect, right?’”
“I sure have,” said Broderick.
“Well, that’s not exactly true,” said Blocker. “But practice will definitely provide opportunities for more practice!”
To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements and puppet ministry, please e-mail
Pray, perform, practice
By Greg Miller
Blake and Blocker were both destined for greatness.
Blocker was a talented pianist, while Blake was an accomplished quarterback on his high school football team.
Blocker practiced his craft every day after finishing his homework. His favorite types of music included gospel and classical.
Blake’s dad, Brook, tossed the football with his son every day after school. Brook told Blake, “I believe you have a future in pro football.”
Brook encouraged Blake to do his homework before the football sessions began. “Even if you play pro football, eventually you’ll need a college degree for a second career,” Brook said.
“Thanks for the advice, Dad,” said Blake.
Ten years later, Blake and Blocker met for the first time.
Blocker had become a successful pianist, and he was scheduled to perform during the halftime program of a professional football game in which Blake was playing. Blake was his team’s starting quarterback, and he threw the football for three touchdowns during the first half.
Blocker played a variety of songs. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.
The team’s coach, Bernie, asked Blake to invite Blocker to stand next to the coach on the sidelines during the game’s second half.
“It will be my pleasure,” Blocker said. “I’ve been a fan of the team for several years.”
“I enjoy listening to your music, especially the Christian songs, when I’m in the car,” said Blake.
“Thanks very much,” said Blocker.
“I know we just met,” said Blake. “But I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor.”
“Sure thing,” said Blocker. “What is it?”
“My son, Broderick, is celebrating his 10th birthday today,” said Blake. “We’re having a party for him after the game, and I was hoping you could come to our home and do a private concert for him.”
“I’ll be happy to do that,” said Blocker.
“Broderick likes all of your music,” Blake said. “You’re such an inspiration to him that he wants to become a professional pianist.”
After the game, Blake took Blocker to Broderick’s birthday party. Everyone gathered in the Piano Room, where Blocker delighted the guests with his musical ability.
“Thanks for coming,” said Broderick.
“You’re welcome,” said Blocker. “Your dad says you want to become a professional pianist.”
“That’s true,” said Broderick. “Your music is so inspirational and beautiful. I’ like to be able to touch the lives of others in the same way you’ve touched mine. Would you be willing to share some success tips with me?”
“I have three very important tips,” said Blocker. “Pray, prepare and practice, Pray that the Lord will direct you as you use your talents. Prepare for each performance and practice every day. You’ve heard the saying, ‘Practice makes perfect, right?’”
“I sure have,” said Broderick.
“Well, that’s not exactly true,” said Blocker. “But practice will definitely provide opportunities for more practice!”
To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements and puppet ministry, please e-mail
Posted by Isaac J Davis Junior at Monday, September 27, 2010 1:19 AM 
Categories: Rays of Son
Tags: Christian of Syndicated Miller Son Column Rays Greg
Categories: Rays of Son
Tags: Christian of Syndicated Miller Son Column Rays Greg
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