The Violin!

I love to hear beautiful violin music being played by someone who has mastered the instrument, but I don't particularly enjoy the violin being played by a beginner with all of the screeches and scratches!

 It's sort of like we are before we meet Jesus!  Our lives are battered and broken -- many are shattered and marred by the effects of sin.  But if we will turn from our sin, and let the Saviour come in, He can take the broken violin of our lives and bring forth beautiful music!

I love this poem by Dorothy Barter, and I trust it will be a blessing to you, as well:

     "I never knew the old, brown violin that was so long in some dark corner thrust---
Its strings broken or loose--its pegs run down--could ever be of use again.
      The dust of years lay on its shabby case, until one day a Master took the instrument--
And with caressing fingers touched the wood--adjusted pegs and strings--
      His mind intent on making music as he drew his bow.

Then, from the violin--long silent-- sprang once more arpeggios, runs, trills.
      The wood quivered, leapt into life, and joyous sang.

      I now believe that any broken life, jangling with discords, unadjusted,
Tossed in some far corner--wasted, thrown aside, can yet be of some use.
      It need not be lost from Heaven's orchestra.
A Master's Hand, scarred with old wounds, can mend the broken thing --
      if yielded to Him wholly.  He can make the dumb life speak again,
And joyous sing, in praise of One who gave His life that none need perish.

      And this message -- glad---most blest---I now believe;
For placing in His Hand my life--I find my world is now at rest!"