This article is the first in our “Make a Difference” Series. Here at Bridging the Gap we believe that God has uniquely gifted each of us to make a difference in this world. Over the next several weeks we will share some of the things we, or someone we know, has done to made a difference in their little corner of the world. We hope it will inspire you to do the same.

The tears that fell at the orchestra’s first notes surprised me. My husband and I attended a Christmas concert at a local church in mid-December with some friends. I was excited to relax and enjoy an evening out after a much too busy week. We were just five days away from our family’s Christmas celebration weekend and things were not coming together as easily as I’d hoped they would. (Why do I always wait until the last minute?) I was anticipating a great concert, but I had no idea there’d be a professional orchestra there. From beginning to end it was beyond excellent.

At the conclusion of the concert the orchestra played a magnificent version of Stille Nacht (Silent Night in German). As the orchestra reached the end of the composition there was a point where, after a brief rest, the musicians played one extended note. I guess one could make a case for the fact that at any given time musicians are only ever playing one note, but it was the holding of the one note that hit me. While orchestra members played their ONE note I was overwhelmed, not only with the amazing sound emanating from this top-ranked orchestra, but also with the importance of each person’s NOTE. Each musician’s note combined with the note of the other musicians around him or her to produce an incredibly gorgeous sound. If even one note had been missing it wouldn’t have sounded the same.

At that moment it occurred to me how important it is that each of us play the note God has given us. The note we play makes a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Your note may be best played in the area of art. Are you gifted at designing things? Or are you the type to create special paintings and share them? Sewing, knitting, woodworking, metal crafts, sculpture, and hundreds of other mediums all add beauty to our world.

Maybe your note is best played as a peacemaker. Whether you’re a police officer, a therapist, or the only one who is able to diffuse a family discussion that’s gotten out of hand, your role is invaluable.

Perhaps your note is found in the kitchen creating delicious meals for your family, or for friends who are walking through tough times. Or maybe you even find yourself in front of a hot stove at a restaurant bringing delicious meals to hundreds of hungry people every night. Let me tell you, that is one note I always appreciate!

There are literally hundreds of ways that your note can make a difference in another person’s life. Throughout this “Make a Difference” series our writers will be sharing ways that they, or someone they know, has made a difference by “playing their note.” You were designed to make a difference in this world. Don’t think that just because you aren’t famous, or rich, or serving as an overseas missionary that you can’t make a difference. When we all play our notes well, it can create a breathtaking harmony. On the flip side, if we refuse to play our part a disturbing cacophony of sound erupts.

Today I encourage you to find your note and play it well, because right now this world needs to hear some beautiful music. Won’t you join in?

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10