Ebony and ivory, Live together in perfect harmony.
Side by side on my piano keyboard
Oh Lord, why don’t we?

We all know
That people are the same wherever you go
There is good and bad in ev’ryone,
We learn to live,
We learn to give each other
What we need to survive, together alive.
(written by Paul McCartney, 1982)

My two sisters and I love to sing together. And it always involves harmony. Boy, we have a lot of fun. There’s nothing like notes coming together, especially with people you’ve known and loved your whole life!

It’s very interesting how Mr. McCartney penned these words so beautifully. And to put it bluntly, he told the truth. In music, you cannot have harmony unless you play both the black and white keys. They work together. In fact, the very first lesson I have always taught to my children and other piano students on the keyboard is the location and relation of the black and white keys. At the same time, the tone and function of these keys can be completely different. They don’t lose “who they are” to be a part of the “big picture!”

If people could act like we “play the keys,” well, what a wonderful world it would be. And it’s possible, because it happens every day. My sisters and I are very different, and we each have to adjust and flex with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. (And believe me, we’ve had our share of knocks trying to figure that out!) We have unique gifts and ideas to bring to the table, and some of them make it and some don’t. The goal still remains the same. Pursue harmony. Work hard for the final product. And enjoy yourself. Don’t waste time today fighting for your own rights. Pray that God will give you perception and wisdom for the good of the team. The rest of your world will appreciate it!

Jennifer

Biblical Meditation: 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.