Johnny One Note
I’m probably going to embarrass one recipient of this post, but I guess I’ll take that chance. On second thought, since our son is the one who actually decides when and if these are posted, this may not even make the cut.
I’m thinking back to when he was in grade school in Dexter, Missouri. Donna and I tried to attend every activity connected with the school that involved either him or his sister. Like almost every other parent or grandparent who has ever lived, we thought each choral or band performance, athletic event, etc. was very special.
I’m not sure what grade our son was in when he had a solo at one of those grade school concerts. The song was “Johnny One Note.” I’ve found out that there is a somewhat famous song by that name from an old Broadway musical, but that song is not the one our son sang.
As I remember it, his one line from the grade school musical program went something like this:
I don’t sing high. I don’t sing low.
I only know one note, you see.
My strength is my consistency.
It has been a while since I heard that song, so I may not have the words exactly right. Whether or not I do, I think that there is an important message in that song. That message is that consistency is an often overlooked, but very valuable trait.
If you are an employer, would you rather have one whose dependability, punctuality, etc. is “hit and miss” or would you rather have one who is consistent in his/her performance? How about if you are an employee? Would you want somebody supervising you whose moods, expectations, treatment of employees was unpredictable or consistent?
What about personal relationships (spouses, family members, friends, neighbors, etc.)? Would you rather have a relationship with somebody who is “off the charts” in his/her devotion, praise, commitment, etc. one minute and “off the charts” with a temper tantrum or something else that’s negative at some other time? It seems to me that, even in relationships which are romantic in nature, the steady warmth and comfort of a fireplace is often of greater value than the excitement of a fireworks show.
When was the last time you received any personal assistance from a dynamic, popular, and flamboyant religious personality? While he was impressing possibly millions of people via his various “ministries,” a relatively unknown preacher, elder, deacon, or other Christian has probably been by your side during some very trying moments in your life.
There have been many people in various walks of life who have been labeled as “rising stars.” All too often, they appear to be shooting stars who flame out in a relatively short time. Meanwhile, there are people who are somewhat like the sun and moon. They quietly and consistently fulfill the task for which God designed them.
I understand that there may be some debate about whether or not the following quote originated with William Shakespeare. Wherever it originated, it is worth considering:
Consistency, thou art a jewel.
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
