Stanton Lanier

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

Argument or Story?

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Click above to listen to Spirit of Grace (from my 8th album Open Spaces) as you read. If you enjoy you can stream, download music, or find sheet music at the following links: Open Spaces CD, MP3 Album, Piano Book, Desert Thirsty for Rain PDF Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora.

“Is your life more of an argument or more of a story?”

This question cut to my heart several years ago. It went deep. For most of my life the idea I was supposed to “defend my faith” had taken root. A light bulb came on as I realized my story had been more of an argument up until then. It was good argument — for what was true, noble and right — in a word, for TRUTH. iStock_000013181151Small The thing I couldn’t see as clearly was the spirit of judgement and criticism toward others that came with this “truth package,” wrapped in pride with a ribbon of self-righteousness. Even if only perceived by others, this meant they were felt. My friend Ken Boa (www.kenboa.org) says, “Stop taking yourself so seriously, because God has already taken you seriously.” I cannot make myself right. Only God makes me right, and it is by His Spirit of Grace (Zechariah 12:10, Ephesians 2:8). Living a captivating story is so much more compelling than winning an argument, right? Thinking on things that are pure, lovely, and admirable — in a word, GRACE — means loving, accepting, and forgiving well. It means listening to someone’s story and sharing pieces of my story that speak into theirs. It also means being positive in my assumptions toward others versus negative (because I don’t know their full story yet). Living a story of grace is a process. It takes practice. It means mistakes will happen. It weaves a beautiful tapestry of wonder, mystery, joy and tears. Will I live a story of grace today? Will I have a spirit of grace or “ungrace” toward others? As a bonus for reflection, consider watching and listening to the Spirit of Grace music video…

Mocah Cream Cake = Peace and Joy

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I was just starting my morning and got a call from my brother. He said, “Happy Birthday!” (it’s my 48th today) and shared he woke up thinking about me. He said it’s interesting how as we get older others mean more and we mean less. He elaborated, “Our younger days are often more self focused and self serving. As we get older, life is more about our relationships with others, and serving others before ourselves.” “Wow,” I said. “That’s today’s blog post.”

Below are some short reflections to help you think about your life story and living it well. But first, I wanted you to see my Mocah Cream Birthday Cake.

Mocah Cream Cake

My wife has been making this for me since 1990, the year we were married. Today I will cut a big slice of my 23rd Mocha Cream Cake. Peace and Joy! When my brother talked about how our perspective changes through the years, I was stirred to remember what was happening in my life from age 8 to 48.

  • Age 8. Third grade. Beginning to grow out of stuttering as a child. Still struggling with my R’s and W’s. The word “reward” bugs me to this day. Very shy. A few neighborhood friends. Playing little league baseball and basketball. Third year of piano lessons. Elton John’s song “Rocket Man” was a hit.
  • Age 18. Graduated high school. Started freshman year at Georgia Tech. Had written 15 songs and had 10th and 12th grade piano recitals. Scored 30 points in a high school basketball game. Very special friends and memories. By faith, had trusted God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus.
  • Age 28. Second wedding anniversary. Had an MBA. Started my third job. Striving for success by the world’s standards. Wanted to be a real estate investor, entrepreneur. Had not surrendered my life and career fully to God. Started studying the Bible with my wife.
  • Age 38. Fulfilled and on purpose as a financial planner (after “career surrender” at age 30). About to release my second instrumental piano album. Starting to wonder if music was what I was supposed to do. Living for significance was now more important than success. Longing to hear God’s voice.
  • Age 48. Precious memories and relationships looking back. Top priority to be a loving and leading husband and dad. Not taking life as seriously as I once did. More tears. More joy. More adventure. More wonder. More uncertainty. Grateful for every day. Living in the present. Excited about the future!

How about you? Does your life story have peace and joy today? Who or what needs your focus to live a great story, to serve others well? I’d love to hear your thoughts…