The worth of a Clarinet reed

I play clarinet, or at least attempt to play.  I have been in orchestra at church since last spring and have struggled at times with the songs, the six sharps that seem to be in every other song, worn out pads and keeping the beat!  I had not played in over twenty years when I picked up that clarinet in the spring and attempted to make music.  I must admit that I do enjoy playing, most of the time.

I have looked at the price of clarinets online and in music stores.  The price of a new clarinet may range from five hundred to thousands of dollars.  Used ones can be anywhere from one hundred and up.  If purchased from an individual the price will vary and might be cheaper.

The reed of a clarinet goes on the mouth piece and only cost two to three dollars but the worth of the reed really can not be measured.   The worth of a clarinet reed came rushing to me on Sunday during church while  playing with the orchestra in church.

I made it through the first song and part of the second song when I realized that something was wrong.  I could only play the low notes and that was iffy at time.  I struggled to get more air through the clarinet when it dawned on me that the reed must have split.

It had not only split once but it had split twice.  I did get about six months of play time from that reed but I probably will be checking the reeds over more often!  The reed is essential to play!!  A clarinet might be worth many dollars but without that reed it is useless!  It just will not play without the reed!

I know sometimes I feel just like a clarinet without a reed.  I sometimes feel that I am not doing anything but blowing out air and a few low notes.  I don't feel like I am worth much but God's Word tells me different.  The Bible points me to Jesus!  He prepared the way to my worthiness!  I must be worth much!  Jesus took my sin and was nailed to the cross with it!  He then conquered death with a victorious burst from the grave!

I might feel like the clarinet without a reed but then I remember that Jesus is my reed!!  The price of my reed is beyond measure!!

What about you?  Have you met my reed?  He is waiting!

John 14:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me.

Proverbs 8:33-35

New International Version (NIV)

³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
³⁴ Blessed are those who listen to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
³⁵ For those who find me find life
    and receive favor from the Lord.