"Welcome to my blog space. I believe that God has carefully placed gems in our paths to fill our days with joy. The challenge for us is to take the time to notice them. My desire is to share the gems in my life so that, hopefully, you will see the ones He's placed in yours. I hope what you read here will be worth your time and you'll want to return often." - Cathy

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The Master's Touch

            The Community Ash Wednesday Service was scheduled for noon at an Episcopal Church in town. I thought there would be more people there, but the small church was perfect for the 40-50 who came to receive the ashes and begin the season of Lent together.
            As the ashes were placed on each participant’s forehead in the shape of a cross, our thoughts were directed toward Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. Thus begins the 40 day period of self-inspection where we focus on Jesus and what we might need to change about ourselves to be more Christ-like. Some denominations encourage members to give up something that is dear to them and spend more time before the Father, listening.
            A story was told at the service about an auction. Several items had been sold when the auctioneer picked up an old, battered violin. “How much,” he asked, “for this old violin?” The crowd was silent. “Come on now, somebody start and we’ll see where we go,” the man said. Bids came in slowly, one dollar, two dollars, and then three. An old man, bent at the waist and limping slightly, came forward and ran his rough hands over the well-used violin. He placed it under his chin, ran the bow over the strings, and made a few adjustments. He began to play and out flowed the loveliest tune and captured the audience.
            The man laid the violin down and went back to his seat. The auctioneer peered out at the folks and said, “Now what am I offered for this beautiful instrument?” The bids tumbled in quickly, one after the other, and the violin was sold for thousands of dollars.
            What made the difference?  The Master of the bent old man had touched him and given him the ability to free the beautiful music hidden inside the violin. Because the Master saw the potential in the violinist, he was able to see the potential wrapped up in the rough looking instrument.
            Have you been touched by the Master? I don’t believe God has given over the creation of His precious children to a committee. I see Him painstakingly choosing and weaving together all the parts that make up each new baby. When He breathes life into us He breathes potential into us as well.  
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.
Psalm 139:14-16  The Message   

Do you know how precious you are to Him? What difference would it make in your life if you realized how valuable you are because you’ve been touched by the Master?
I’d love for you to leave a comment for my readers. What are you thinking after reading this message today?
Praying your day will be joy-filled-
Cathy

10 comments:

  1. I love the violin story. What a testimony to the value we gain when the Father's direction is the music of our lives.

    www.maryjanewrites.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. The violin story is actually a poem "The Master's Touch" that was also put to music. I presented this poem at a Speech & Drama Festival when I was in high school (a loooong time ago). I loved it then and still love it now. Realized I remembered all the words still. Thanks for reminding me how God can take a broken down old violin and create glorious music with it--no matter what anyone else thinks. It doesn't even matter what the violin thinks about its ability. It just allows the master to play.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What an inspiring comment, Karen! Thanks for your insight. We do need to submit and let the Lord play through us. Life would be more joyful, wouldn't it?

      Delete
  3. I've always loved that violin story! You also quoted one of my favorite Bible passages, Psalm 139. It's my go-to chapter when I'm seeking guidance and needing assurance. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Psalm 139 always lifts me up too. How cool is it that God himself took the time to make us perfect in His eyes. Blessings of joy on your day.

      Delete
  4. Today I felt like my strings were broken, my wood frame was warped amd I have been so ignored that I was here to only collect dust. How wonderful it is to be picked up, wiped off and polished with the reminder of the Master Craftsman's plan for me.
    Blessings Cathy. Thank You.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Isn't God good! I'm sorry that you had a bad day yesterday, but I am filled with joy from knowing that He worked through me to encourage you. What a blessing! Praying for many joy-filled days for you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I haven't heard the violin story in a long time. I have always loved it. Thank you for presenting it to us so beautifully.

    ReplyDelete