Irish flutist James Galway is a classical music superstar. But as he neared the age of 50, he looked closely at his life and decided he was not going to fall into the trap of "getting old and famous and playing bad concerts."

So he started practicing for several hours every day. He began his personal overhaul by playing scales. He said it was the biggest shock of his life to discover how out of shape he was. "I could play concertos and repertory pieces. But the scales were stiff, and they were inconsistent from key to key."

James Galway--master of the flute--playing scales!

Jesus Christ, the Master of all, never left the basics in His relationship with His heavenly Father. Time alone with God was an essential of Jesus' life. "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" (Mk. 1:35).

His pattern challenges me to ask some searching questions: Am I beginning each day alone with God? Do I long to do His will in everything? Do I depend on His power?

A student of the Master never wanders far from the basics.  — David C. McCasland