Practicing the Peace - Pun intended

I know it's a well-used metaphor, but the analogy of an orchestra came to our thoughts last Friday when we met with the Lord together.
We were asking Him what He wants to do with us... wanting to know the way, whereupon of course, He reminded us that He is the Way (aren't you grateful for Philip who asked Him this the first time?  It makes me feel that we're not the only ones who are clueless).
In an orchestra, the individual players are expected to practice their instruments (and some may play more than one) on their own, but also as a group. They more they do both, the better they harmonise. There will inevitably be mistakes; an oboe will shriek, a violin play off-key, the tympanist may strike at the wrong moment... But the more they all practice, gradually, they will learn to play the piece of music and, as they listen to each other, learn to hamonise together.
The key though, is getting to know the music, by which they can understand what the Composer what in mind. Most importantly, they must keep their eyes on the Conductor, who knows the music inside out, because He wrote it.
One instrument is not more important than another. Each one is special and unique, even down to the wood each one is made from. Each one has its own particular timbre and resonance. A viola cannot play like a French horn; a bassoon can't sound like a triangle. But each one is important to the Composer's mind and to the way His music sounds.
Each piece of music is written with that particular combination of instruments in mind. Some instruments may be called on to play more often than others. Some may have only one note to sound - at the very end. It doesn't matter, as long as they are all reading the music and watching the Conductor/Composer and listening to each other.
The more they practice, the better they will play. If one fails to come or to show up, the music will sound different; that one will be missed.

So I guess that the Lord is showing us that we are to keep practicing the piece, to keep our eyes on Him and listen to each other, as we play. One day, we may be able to play the heavenly piece of music that the Father is looking forward to hearing from us. May we give Him joy as we learn together.