Find The Sweet Spot

Certain stories touch my heart.  Last night I read one that brought me to tears:  I share the ideas written by Bodie Thoene in Vienna Prelude.In 1972 a young American violinist was studying her craft in Salzburg, Austria while on scholarship. Ernestine needed a better violin to play on, in order to realize her fullest potential. All agreed that she had exceptional talent. Ernestine had been saving up money for a better violin, but finances were difficult. Her family in the United States had used their last dime to send her to Mozart’s home town to improve her skills. She struggled to pay for room and board, not to mention the wages of her instructors. When she collected as much money as possible, she traveled to London and visited a music shop known world-wide for the very best in stringed instruments.  The shop carried the old, famous violins of the world, but they were way beyond her budget.  Ernestine’s simple goal was to trade her old violin for something that fit her better, was smaller and more suited to her hands.  Would she find what she needed?  Would a better instrument allow her to perform to her best ability?For three days, in the practice room of this small, but famous shop, she tried violin after violin priced within her range.  None suited her.  None had the warm and rich musical quality she had hoped for.  On the last day, Ernestine, resigned that her efforts had been in vain, put down the last practice violin with sadness.  She would simply have to wait another few years until the right violin showed up, or she had saved more money.At that point, the owner laid an old violin case in front of her and asked her to try one more. Reluctantly she lifted the small, golden violin up, picked up the bow, and began to play.  The music of Mozart filled the room.  This was the voice she had been hoping to hear, giving forth full and rich notes.  Tears filled her eyes.“I can’t afford an instrument like this,” Ernestine said to the shop owner.“I am aware of that, but this violin is a mystery to us. We have had it for only two weeks.  It was found in the attic of an old man upon his death. It has no provenance, or story to prove that it is what its label says, a Guarnerius.  So we cannot set a high price for it. But having heard that instrument played by your talented fingers, we think it is a classic.  It certainly shows its beauty under your touch. We believe it is a match.  So, Ernestine, it is yours.”What is in this story that causes me to cry?  The fact that one woman, pursuing her talent and her dreams, finally came to a life-changing and crucial intersection: Ernestine’s gifts intersecting with the right violin allowed both the musician and the instrument to reach their highest potential.That is what I want for myself and for each of you — that we would search until we receive the very best for us. I pray that, when we find it, we will stop, take the risk, and play the melody that rings out — rich and warm and beautiful.  I believe the Heavenly Father knows exactly what that intersection is for you.  He can take your gifts and place them in the right place, with the right instrument (whether it is your talents, a certain tool, your family, career, or ministry) so that you can make beautiful music in the world around you.  So commit your way to the Lord, and He will bring this sweet melody into your life.  He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37: 4-5).  Don’t stop until you find it. In Christ,