Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris! Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey!

Olivia Parker: I have this tune stuck in my head, and I just can't get rid of it. Does that ever happen to you?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, fortunately, I have the mental discipline to prevent that sort of unwanted invasion of my brain synapses.

Olivia Parker: But why does it happen?

Eugene Meltsner: Studies have suggested that the phenomenon of involuntary musical imagery, known commonly as an earworm or repetition, occurs when your brain, your memory to be precise, is attempting to remember the entire song.

Olivia Parker: But I don't know the whole song. I only heard part of it on the radio.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, that makes things difficult. Perhaps if you sing some of the tune to me, I might know it to sing the rest.

Olivia Parker: No, I don't sing for people.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, possibly you could work it out on the piano in the Little Theater, or on my ukulele or a guitar.

Olivia Parker: I can't play the ukulele, but I'd love to learn how to play the guitar.

Eugene Meltsner: Truly? Well, I've recently begun to give lessons on stringed instruments, ukulele or guitar.

Olivia Parker: Are you serious? Is it expensive? I mean, if I wanted you to teach me?

Eugene Meltsner: Actually, I'm teaching for free as part of Mr. Whittaker's new arts initiative.

Olivia Parker: Mr. Whittaker's doing a what?

Eugene Meltsner: He wants to encourage the young people who come to Whit's End to engage in the arts. I'm instructing in music, while Miss Kendall is producing theatrical efforts in the Little Theater.

Olivia Parker: Oh, that is so great! When can we start? Where do I get a guitar? And what about a book? Do I need a book? I had one for the piano and I had...

Eugene Meltsner: Calm down, Miss Parker. You may borrow my old guitar. It's perfect for beginners, and we'll save you the investment just in case you choose not to continue.

Olivia Parker: Choose not to continue? When I set my mind to something, I see it through.

Eugene Meltsner: I'm certain you do. I'll get my guitar and bring it to your house this afternoon if that's all right. And if you have time, we may be able to start with some of the basics.

Olivia Parker: That is so perfect! Till then!

Eugene Meltsner: Bye!

Connie Kendall: Olivia, I'm glad you're here. I need to talk to you about our drama production.

Olivia Parker: Yeah, Eugene said you're doing a play.

Connie Kendall: Yeah, and I really need you to join us. It's something we're doing for the preschoolers. It's a retelling of the story of Noah's Ark, and I'd like you to be Mrs. Noah. I can't think of anyone I'd trust more.

Olivia Parker: Sure, I'd love to do it!

Connie Kendall: Oh, that's great! We'll rehearse for an hour or so each day. Our first meeting is in the Little Theater tomorrow after school.

Olivia Parker: I'll be there!

Connie Kendall: Great! See you then!

Olivia Parker: Man, what a day!

Eugene Meltsner: There we go, all set. Now it's your turn, Olivia.

Olivia Parker: Great. What do I do?

Eugene Meltsner: We're going to learn a few simple chords. Let's start off with a G chord. All you have to do is put your fourth finger right over here.

Olivia Parker: Here?

Eugene Meltsner: Not on top of it, just behind the fret, see? Like that. Now, this is a plectrum, sometimes known as a pick. Hold this in your right hand like this and then strum.

Olivia Parker: Okay, here it goes. That can't be right.

Eugene Meltsner: It's okay, it's a fine start. It sounds like your finger just slipped a little. Keep it right there. Okay, try it again.

Olivia Parker: It looks so easy on TV.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, work on how you hold the neck of the guitar. Keep your thumb right on the back, not wrapped around. That's good. Now try again.

Olivia Parker: Hey, I did it!

Eugene Meltsner: All right! A solid first step. Now try and strum in rhythm like this: one, two, three, four.

Olivia Parker: One, two, three, four. Okay, this is fun and all, but when do I get to learn a song?

Eugene Meltsner: Eventually, Olivia. These things take time and practice.

Mr. Parker: Hi, sweetie.

Olivia Parker: Hi, Dad.

Mr. Parker: Is Eugene still here? I wanted to see if he'd like to stay for dinner.

Olivia Parker: No, he left a while ago.

Mr. Parker: Well, it's time to wash up. We're going to eat. I'm proud of you for trying to do this, Olivia. I really hope you'll stay with it.

Olivia Parker: Stay with it? Of course I'll stay with it. Why wouldn't I?

Mr. Parker: Shall we go upstairs and look at all the things in the attic? The karate outfit, the ballet slippers, the tennis racket, the candle-making kit, the cookbooks, the crochet needles, the easel and paints, the...

Olivia Parker: Okay, this is different! I really want to learn how to play the guitar.

Mr. Parker: Great.

Olivia Parker: I will, Dad.

Mrs. Parker: Of course she will.

Olivia Parker: Mom, did you hear me? I can play guitar!

Mrs. Parker: I heard.

Olivia Parker: And it's really fun. I know two chords already. Isn't that great? After another lesson or two, I'll be able to play a whole song.

Mrs. Parker: Your Abuelita was listening. It brought tears to her eyes.

Olivia Parker: Was it that bad?

Mrs. Parker: No, no. It's because your Abuelito played the guitar. You see, it's in your blood.

Olivia Parker: Was Grandpa good?

Mrs. Parker: I always thought so. He played for years. In fact, when he was courting your Abuelita, he used to go to her house to serenade her on the veranda.

Mr. Parker: The veranda? I thought you said he played the guitar.

Mrs. Parker: Go wash your hands.

Mr. Parker: Yes, ma'am.

Mrs. Parker: Olivia, are you serious about this?

Olivia Parker: Serious? Look, Mom, Dad already reminded me about all...

Mrs. Parker: No, listen. There's a song your Abuelita loves. It's called Cuatro Mil Pasos. Her birthday is in a couple of weeks.

Olivia Parker: Yeah?

Mrs. Parker: I thought it would be nice if you could learn that song on the guitar and play it for her at the party. It would mean a lot more to her than anything you could buy.

Olivia Parker: You think so?

Mrs. Parker: Oh yes. It's a lot to learn in a short time.

Olivia Parker: I can do it, Mom! You watch.

Mrs. Parker: I'll listen.

Guest (Male): Hey you over there! Come check out this super cool secret club. Well, it's not really a secret; actually, I'm trying to tell everyone about it because it's so amazing! It's the Adventures in Odyssey Club.

You'll get access to over 1,000 episodes; some of them are even club exclusives. You'll also get behind-the-scenes content and devotionals and games and a free subscription to Focus on the Family's Clubhouse magazine. Sorry, I'll slow down now. I just get so excited talking about the Adventures in Odyssey Club. Head over to adventuresinodyssey.com!

Mr. Parker: Come in. Hey. I was listening to you in the hall. Your guitaring sounds great! How did you pick that up so fast?

Olivia Parker: What? Oh, no. That's not me. Mom let me download some flamenco music for practice. See?

Mr. Parker: Oh, that's flamenco, by the way.

Olivia Parker: Whatever it is, it's hard on my fingers, and I broke a nail.

Mr. Parker: One must sacrifice for one's art. Look, Connie just called to remind you about a drama meeting.

Olivia Parker: Yes! She's putting on a play for some kids and she wants me in it. I'm going to be Mrs. Noah. Cool, huh?

Mr. Parker: Hold on a second. Don't you have something to ask first?

Olivia Parker: Oh, yeah. I have to ask Mom if I can borrow her old bathrobe. I'll need a costume.

Mr. Parker: Olivia, I mean you need to ask permission. We don't want you over-committing yourself.

Olivia Parker: I won't! We'll rehearse for an hour after school, and that's it.

Mr. Parker: Well, what about your guitar lessons? Do you think you'll have time for them too? And your mom said you're trying to learn a song for your grandmother's birthday. That's going to take some intense work.

Olivia Parker: I know. I can handle it. I promise.

Mr. Parker: You promise? Olivia, I mean it. You can't let all this stuff get in the way of your responsibilities for school and at home. Understood?

Olivia Parker: Yo comprendo, Papa! I've got to go!

Mr. Parker: Okay.

Connie Kendall: Okay everybody, we're almost ready to start. I've handed out all of the roles and assignments, and you have a complete schedule of rehearsals. Oh, except for one slight change in the cast. Whit will be playing the voice of God.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, I am?

Connie Kendall: Great, you're into the role already.

John Avery Whittaker: But I thought Red Hollard was playing God.

Connie Kendall: Well, his uncle Eustace is having a gallstone removed, so he can't do it now. Do you mind?

John Avery Whittaker: Well, I'm happy to help out. Is there anything else I can do?

Connie Kendall: Well, Red was also going to build some of the set.

John Avery Whittaker: I've got it. Is that what he's done so far? Why is the ark made out of cinder blocks?

Connie Kendall: Because they're cubes, and Red thought that's what the Bible meant when it talked about cubits.

John Avery Whittaker: Right. I'll get to work.

Connie Kendall: Thanks, Whit. Okay, gather around everybody. Gather around! I just want to have a little talk to launch our play. Thank you all for helping out with this. I know it's fun, but it'll be a lot of work too.

Now, our performance is set for two weeks from Saturday. We'll have three daycare centers coming to watch. And just because they're little kids doesn't mean we don't have to take this seriously, right? Remember, if you don't practice or learn your lines, the whole production suffers. Okay, let's start with Mr. and Mrs. Noah over here. That's Barrett and Olivia. Let's see... where's Olivia?

Olivia Parker: I'm here, Connie! I'm sorry I'm late.

Connie Kendall: Okay, grab a script from the table and come on up. And let's get to work!

Connie Kendall: That was a great first rehearsal, guys. Same time tomorrow, and I want scenes two and three memorized.

Olivia Parker: Bye, Connie!

Connie Kendall: Olivia, don't forget to take a copy of our schedule.

Olivia Parker: Right. Thanks.

Eugene Meltsner: Miss Parker?

Olivia Parker: Hi, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Did you happen to notice the time?

Olivia Parker: Yeah, it's 4:30.

Eugene Meltsner: And I thought we were practicing at 4:00.

Olivia Parker: Oh, sorry.

Connie Kendall: That's my fault, Eugene. I kept them late.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, unfortunately, I have another obligation and won't be able to teach you now. Still, here's a copy of the practice book. I want you to practice the G7 chord in preparation for your grandmother's birthday. Consider this a homework assignment.

Olivia Parker: Homework?

Eugene Meltsner: To make up for our lost time. The G7 requires more dexterity than G and certainly than E minor, but I'm sure you'll master it in no time.

Olivia Parker: Okay, G7. Got it.

Eugene Meltsner: The important thing to remember is to keep practicing. Machu Picchu wasn't constructed in a day, after all.

Olivia Parker: What?

Eugene Meltsner: Nobody learns it all overnight. Isn't that what I said? Will my fingertips stop hurting?

Eugene Meltsner: Eventually, yes. And I'll see you tomorrow at 5:00, since you're obviously occupied at 4:00.

Olivia Parker: Thanks.

Connie Kendall: And those two scenes! Don't forget about those!

Olivia Parker: The two scenes, right. G7 and eight. Scenes two and three. Got it.

Olivia Parker: One, two, three, four. Wait. One, two, three. Maybe I should practice my lines for a while. Noah, Noah! You've been building that boat for 120 years now. I've heard of long-term building projects, but seriously, the neighbors are beginning to talk. And you have no idea what kind of teasing the kids are getting at school. Poor Ham, Shem, and Jeffrey. Wait, Japheth. Japheth! I'll never get these right!

Mr. Parker: Come in. Hi, Olivia. I just wanted to let you know I'm running to the store. I'll be back in 15 minutes.

Olivia Parker: Great.

Mr. Parker: Are you okay?

Olivia Parker: Yeah, I'm fine. I'm practicing now.

Mr. Parker: Okay.

Olivia Parker: G7. Fingers here, here, and here.

Mr. Parker: Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get it.

Olivia Parker: Okay. Thanks. One, two... it's too much! My fingers hurt! I need a break.

Olivia Parker: Hi.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, hi, Olivia.

Eugene Meltsner: Miss Parker! I was beginning to think you'd forgotten our lesson today.

Olivia Parker: No, I didn't. I'm here.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, do you care for a lemonade before you get started? You look like you could use something.

Olivia Parker: Yes, please. That sounds really good.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, while you do that, I'll make sure the rehearsal room is vacant. I'm looking forward to hearing your work on those new chords. This will only take a minute.

John Avery Whittaker: So, how are you doing, Olivia? Seems that you've been really busy over the last couple of weeks. You look tired.

Olivia Parker: I am, just a little.

John Avery Whittaker: Here you go. Fresh squeezed.

Olivia Parker: Thank you.

John Avery Whittaker: So, how are the guitar lessons going?

Olivia Parker: Well, they're a lot harder than I thought, but I'm finally losing the feeling in my fingertips.

John Avery Whittaker: And that's good?

Olivia Parker: Well, it's better than the pain. Here, I'll show you what I'm... oh no! I forgot my guitar! I must have left it at home.

Connie Kendall: Olivia! You made it! Good. We're ready to run your scenes.

Olivia Parker: My scenes? Now?

Connie Kendall: Didn't you look at your rehearsal schedule?

Olivia Parker: Well, I thought I did, or maybe that was last week.

Connie Kendall: We added time for the last few rehearsals before the performance. So hurry up! Everyone's waiting to do the flood scene.

Olivia Parker: The flood scene? But I thought we were doing the getting off the ark scene.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh dear.

Olivia Parker: It's okay. I know it, mostly, kind of.

John Avery Whittaker: Would you like me to tell Eugene you'll have to postpone your lesson?

Olivia Parker: Yes, please. Tell him I'm sorry and I'll be sure to practice for tomorrow. And I'll remember my guitar and... thanks for the lemonade!

John Avery Whittaker: See you later, Olivia.

Mrs. Parker: Oh, hi, Olivia.

Olivia Parker: I'll be up in my room.

Mrs. Parker: Is everything all right?

Olivia Parker: Sure. Why?

Mrs. Parker: I thought you had guitar lessons this afternoon.

Olivia Parker: I did.

Mrs. Parker: Without your guitar? You left it next to the front door. How is that song coming? Do you think you'll have it ready by Saturday?

Olivia Parker: I'm doing my best.

Mrs. Parker: I'm sure you are. Your Abuelita will be so pleased. When can I hear some of it?

Olivia Parker: Sometime soon. Not yet, though. I want to be ready for my big debut. I want you to be surprised, too.

Mrs. Parker: That's sweet. We decided to have her party at the banquet room in the Hacienda restaurant.

Olivia Parker: Really? She'll like that.

Mrs. Parker: We'll have to be there at noon, though, so we can decorate.

Olivia Parker: Noon? Okay. Well, I'll be upstairs.

Mrs. Parker: It's your turn to set the table for dinner. Are you sure you're all right?

Olivia Parker: Yeah, yeah, it's all right. I mean, I'm all right. Never mind.

Connie Kendall: Okay, thanks everyone! Get plenty of rest tonight for the big show tomorrow. See you at noon sharp!

John Avery Whittaker: Connie! I'm going to tighten the rigging on top of the ark. It looks loose to me.

Connie Kendall: Okay, thanks Whit. See you, Connie! Olivia?

Olivia Parker: Yeah?

Connie Kendall: Please tell me you'll know your lines tomorrow because if you perform like you did today...

Olivia Parker: I'll know them, Connie, like the palm of my hand.

Connie Kendall: Don't you mean like the back of your hand?

Eugene Meltsner: Miss Parker, there you are.

Olivia Parker: Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Come with me, please.

Olivia Parker: To where?

Eugene Meltsner: The rehearsal room. I've got a guitar tuned up and ready. I want to hear how you're doing.

Olivia Parker: Well, you don't have to worry about that.

Eugene Meltsner: I don't?

Olivia Parker: Everything will be just fine.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, you're performing the song for your grandmother tomorrow, correct?

Olivia Parker: Correct. I mean, yes.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, then I'd like to hear it. As a student of mine, your work indirectly speaks to my teaching skills. I want to be certain that you're prepared.

Connie Kendall: Wait a minute. She's playing a song tomorrow? What time tomorrow?

Eugene Meltsner: Noon.

Connie Kendall: Noon? You're supposed to be here at noon!

Olivia Parker: I am?

Connie Kendall: That's right! We've been saying noon all along. Haven't you been listening?

Olivia Parker: I thought I was, but... okay, alright.

Connie Kendall: I'm sorry, Olivia, but I'm going to have to find someone else to play Mrs. Noah tomorrow.

Olivia Parker: What?

Connie Kendall: Well, you can't be in two places at once. And even if you said you'd do the play, I'm not sure that I can trust you to know the lines. So you're out. I'm sorry.

Olivia Parker: But... but...

Eugene Meltsner: I suppose that simplifies things. Shall we go to the rehearsal room to hear your progress?

Olivia Parker: Yeah, okay. Well, no, I better not. I'm not ready. I can't do it. I can't do any of this! This is terrible!

John Avery Whittaker: Eugene, what just happened?

Eugene Meltsner: I do believe that Olivia Parker is in the midst of a proverbial meltdown. Oh dear. Here, hold this hammer, will you?

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, of course. Don't suppose I'll ever hear that song.

Olivia Parker: Come on! Why won't the Imagination Station open up for me?

John Avery Whittaker: Well, it's turned off. Why do you want to go in the Imagination Station?

Olivia Parker: To go back in time! Just a couple of weeks. Is that so much to ask?

John Avery Whittaker: Well, I'm afraid it doesn't work like that. Let's talk about this.

Olivia Parker: There's nothing to talk about. I blew it. I failed, plain and simple.

John Avery Whittaker: Now, now, slow down.

Olivia Parker: Why did it have to be so hard? I said I'd perform in the play because Connie needed me to. I said I'd play the guitar for my grandmother because I wanted to make my mother proud and my grandmother happy.

And I wanted to prove my dad wrong about the attic. Now look at me. I'm not in the play, I don't know how to perform the song, and my dad will be right. I don't finish things. I'm a flake!

John Avery Whittaker: Whoa, now. It sounds as if you overcommitted yourself, that's all.

Olivia Parker: That's all?

John Avery Whittaker: Well, it happens. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to be helpful or being busy that we forget the Luke 14 rule of project management.

Olivia Parker: The Luke 14 what?

John Avery Whittaker: It's a passage in the Bible where Jesus talks about... he said that no one should build a building without making sure they have the means to finish it. Or no one should go to war without making sure they have the army to win.

Before we do anything, we should always count the cost. Otherwise, you wind up with a half-finished building or a lost battle. When you took on these commitments, did you stop to count the cost? Were you sure you had the time or the energy or the ability to pull it off?

Olivia Parker: No. I think that's why my dad keeps talking about the attic.

John Avery Whittaker: Okay, you lost me with the attic.

Olivia Parker: Well, it's full of things I thought I wanted to do, but I lost interest in or quit.

John Avery Whittaker: Because something else seemed more important to you?

Olivia Parker: Yeah. I'm a flake.

John Avery Whittaker: Now, you're no flake.

Olivia Parker: My dad thinks so. He said the money for my college education is in the attic.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, I'm sure he's joking about that. And I'm certain he doesn't think you're a flake. Still, he probably feels frustrated when he spends time and money to encourage you in your interests only to have you drop them.

You see, you have to count the cost before you commit yourself. Make sure you're acting for a purpose, not out of a whim. And have the discipline to stick with it.

Olivia Parker: But my family is going to be disappointed in me tomorrow.

John Avery Whittaker: Perhaps they won't have to be.

Olivia Parker: Why not? I can't play that song for my grandmother.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, giving up, are you?

Olivia Parker: I'm not giving up! I'm... I don't know.

Eugene Meltsner: Miss Parker, since you're no longer performing in the play, I estimate that you have approximately 18 hours to practice before your grandmother's party.

Olivia Parker: You want me to practice 18 hours?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, not all of it. You may sleep for eight of those hours.

Olivia Parker: Are you serious? You think I should still try?

Eugene Meltsner: I do indeed. In spite of whatever you may be feeling, I do believe that you have the skill to play well. As your mother said, it's in your blood.

Olivia Parker: But I can't do it alone.

Eugene Meltsner: Who said you'd be alone?

Mrs. Parker: All right, Mama. Before we get to the cake and the presents, Olivia has something for you. Olivia?

Olivia Parker: Grandma, I mean Abuelita, this is just a little song I learned to play for you with the help of Eugene Meltsner.

Eugene Meltsner: Greetings and birthday salutations. Or as they say in some parts of the world, Feliz cumpleaños y que todos tus deseos se vuelvan realidad.

Olivia Parker: Abuelita, this is a song I heard that you love. Ready? You start.

Eugene Meltsner: Okay.

Olivia Parker: Over to you, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: And back to you, Olivia. Hey, you're pretty good.

Olivia Parker: Practice makes perfect, as they say. Come back for more lessons and you'll see for yourself.

Eugene Meltsner: Deal! Back to you.

Chris: You know, there's an important lesson in today's episode. When we commit to doing something, we should always see it to the end. And we always... Dave?

Guest (Male): My script ran out. Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. We didn't get it written in time.

Chris: What? You mean you didn't actually finish the wrap-up for the show about finishing what you start?

Guest (Male): Ironic, huh? Sorry about that. You're just going to have to wing it.

Chris: Okay! Write to me and tell me what you've learned from today's adventure. My address is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 4G3.

You can find out more about the Parker family on our website at whitsend.org. Today's adventure, Finish What You... get it? Finish what you start. Anyway, today's adventure is included in Album 51, Take It from the Top, along with 11 other episodes.

Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Finish What You... was written by Tim Hodge and Paul McCusker, with sound design by Christopher Diehl, music by John Campbell. Our cast included Hope Levy, Will Ryan, Katie Leigh, and Andre Stojka. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more adventures in Adventures in Odyssey!