by 
July 9, 2015
Jeff Stice, affectionately known as “Mr. Piano Man” has been on an incredible musical journey. His love for the piano started at the age of six, and now Jeff’s music has afforded him the opportunity to travel all around the United States and Canada. In February of 2014, Jeff went through a season of reflection and change. “For 46 years I had known about God, but now I know how to BE with God. So now, I have a testimony to share and I have a new song to play as I start a new chapter for my life.”
Letter To…Jeff Stice (From…Jeff Stice!)
Dear Jeff,
Interestingly, I suppose that’s how most letters begin, but I do mean this now more than ever. You really have become dear to me. Because of who you are, I finally became aware of just how dependent I am on God, my Father. Just so you know, I am you, thirty five years from now! Now I know what your first thoughts are after reading that it’s me (or you) in the future. You’re wondering what you have, what you’ve accomplished or who noticed! Let me first say, and this will be hard for you to grasp right now, IT DOESN’T MATTER! I love your drive, and I love that you’ve set goals for yourself, but I need to point out some things.
Sometimes, without knowing, you can want something or some things so badly that the pursuit of the goal becomes the focus. You see, turns out, you (we) are an approval seeker! BIG TIME! The anxiety that you (we) feel about needing EVERYONE’S acceptance can be a little overwhelming at times, can’t it? I never knew until recently that that anxiety had a name! I just knew it smothered me (you).
Please understand that that’s probably not going to go away, but it will be easier to handle. I promise! Also, I (you) have this burning need to be a perfectionist! This, you will learn is called having “unrelenting standards.” Nothing is good enough! It’s actually funny if you think about it! Because of the pressure of this standard you WILL fall short.
You know, I understand you (me) now, and if I could just speak to your fears, I would say that you WILL survive! You’ve got some bumps and bruises, but it’s through these that you (I) became aware of some things. God has to be the Center of your life! I know that you’ve heard this all of your life, but you WILL KNOW this too! He has proven His faithful love to you over and over, and you will finally see this!
You WILL see that knowing your faults will only cause you (me)to depend on Him more. Jeff, I know what’s important to you and I know how afraid you are that you won’t reach your destination, and though you have tunnel vision and are completely focused on the prize, you’ll come to know that the prize will change. You may not see now, but your priorities will shift and you’ll see for the first time.
People will come and go in your life. Heartbreak will too. You Will survive!
SOME things haven’t – and won’t – change! You still are a bit over the top in your love for Kentucky Basketball (I know you’re smiling about this!). You still love to entertain people with your playing and you’re still a big kid at heart. You still love movies and you still run! Most importantly, you can still laugh and you can still cry. The one thing you’ve added to your life is a testimony of knowing what GRACE is actually about. To just ask you to change may not happen at this point.
I’m not sure how a letter from my future self would (will) have influenced my (our) life. Just know that God loves you. I’d ask you to slow down and be with Him more. I’d ask you to pray about decisions you will make. I would ask you to value people in your life, and know we all have the same need…… to be loved.
Jeff, never take for granted the talent that our Father has given you. The key words in this statement are “OUR FATHER HAS GIVEN YOU”. Continue to work hard and “polish” your piano playing, but please remember you’re doing this so you can be a vessel for His honor and glory. You’re not doing it for an identity or approval.
I read something not long ago that I hope sticks with you… it said: “While I am far more incapable than I thought, God is infinitely more capable than I ever hoped”.
I love you Jeff,
Me
For more on Jeff Stice, visit his website today.