Lesson from An Old Guitar
Author: Chuck Hinson

FOREWARD
Sometimes, the greatest parables can be found in everyday
situations. What youre about to read is something that
happened to me in August, 1964. Its the story of an
encounter between me and my father, C. E. Hinson.
Ill never forget the lesson he taught me that day its one
that Ive passed down to my children, and to others. Its
my prayer that youll find the lesson in it, as well, and pass
it on to those who can use the wisdom he conveyed in this.
My dad was, in my eyes, the greatest man God couldve
put in the 20 th Century. He and my mama were the epitome
of what Christ taught and, to their memory, I dedicate
this story.
I hope you enjoy it.

A LESSON FROM AN OLD GUITAR
Years ago, when I was just barely into my teens, my
dad came home from work carrying a battered, old
guitar. He knew I wanted to learn to play one Id
seen folk groups, country acts even some new
group called The Beatles playing them, and it
looked like so much fun. In fact, while these
performers were on TV, Id watch carefully for the
close-up shots, and (using a baseball bat as a
guitar) Id mimic their fingering, position of the
chords and timing.
When he gave me the acoustic guitar, I sat down and,
propping it up on my knee, began to position my
fingers on the neck, just as I had seen the performers
do. Certainly, I was going to be the next Elvis.
But he did something that Ill remember to my dying
day: He took a big, calloused hand, put it over the
fingerboard and stopped me from playing! Then he
said,
Son, wait a minute. Let me tell you a little story.
You see, Lifes a lot like that old guitar youve got, especially when its time to pay your dues. And, just like the sounds you can make on that guitar, the onesyou make in life is entirely up to you. We cant stop you from framming away at it like an off-tune madman any more than we can stop you from playing beautiful music.
When you get to be an adult, its going to be the same thing when youre out there in the real world. Nobody can stop you; its your choice as to what type of music you give them.
Now, you see those strings, and how youre holding them down with your fingertips? Each note is meant to create harmony with each other. That's your goal in life, son learn to place each thing you do each step you take so itll be in harmony with mankind. Otherwise, just like with the guitar, youre gonna make such a noise that nobodyll want to hear you.
I listened intently; this was good stuff! Then he
continued,
And, by and by, youll learn how to sing with that
guitar maybe even write a few tunes yourself.
When you do, remember that a simple tune does
better when the words are from the heart. Make them easy for people to learn to keep in their mind. And youre painting a picture with each one. Son, remember to do the same thing in your everyday doings, and youll make friends and be happier than you ever thought.
And that song that you sing the one you show
everyday in your actions will be the one thatll go number one with your friends and others. Just
leave the lyrics open to your brothers and sisters
point of view, and theyll be humming that song long after youve gone.
Now lets hear you play

About the Author

Chuck Hinson is a publisher and announcer whose fondest memories are of his home in Pineville, North Carolina. Along with (then) Rep. (later Gov.) Jim Martin, he authored a resolution that called for, and later became, National Children's Day. He's produced three popular audiotapes, a newspaper ("The Window Today"), and has a website at http://greatinternetnewspaper.bizhosting.com.