A young Polish boy wanted to play piano, but his teacher told him that his fingers were too stubby and that he would never play well. The boy was advised to try the cornet, but was later told by an expert musician that he did not have the lip to ever be good.

Then one day he met the great pianist, Anton Rubinstein. The famous musician gave this young boy the first bit of encouragement he ever received. “Young man,” Rubinstein said, “you might be able to play the piano. In fact, I think you can… if you will practice seven hours a day.”

That was all the encouragement he needed! The great Rubinstein had told him he could do it! He would have to dedicate his life to practicing piano, but he could do it! He could be good! Anton Rubinstein said so!

He did practice for many hours a day and his hard work was rewarded, for years later, Jan Paderewski became one of the most famous pianists of his time. An encouraging word carried within it the power to ignite a young boy’s eager spirit, which burned brightly for decades.

Your encouraging word, given today, may forever change a receptive life!

From Steve Goodier’s ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE A LIFE

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