One of the most famous musicians of the 19th century was a self-taught Norwegian violinist named Ole Bull (1810-1880). He was a composer and artist of amazing skill and toured Europe and the world with enormous success. During his lifetime, he was the world’s most renowned violinist.

He wasn’t known by everyone though. One day while traveling in the forests of Europe, he became lost.  It was night and he stumbled upon a log hut – the home of a lonely hermit. The old man took him in, warmed him by the fire and fed him. After supper they sat around a blazing fireplace, and the old hermit picked some crude tunes on his screechy, battered violin.

“Do you think I could play on that?” asked Ole Bull. 

“I don’t think so,” replied the old man. “It took me years to learn how to play the violin.”

Ole Bull replied, “Let me try.”  Taking the old, battered violin, he adjusted the tension of the bow, tuned the strings and softly drew the bow across the strings. Suddenly the hermit’s log cabin was filled with music so beautiful that the hermit began to cry like a baby. I can even picture the animals outside that log cabin stopping to listen to the beautiful music.

We’re all battered instruments. Our bows and strings need adjustment. Our lives need the tender hands of friends and even the Master. Often I want to play the music of my life all by myself – sometimes out of pride and sometimes because I do not want to inconvenience my friends. I know I have friends who would love to hold my hand when I’m hurting, bring food when I’m sick, help my children find jobs or just share a cup of coffee with me. How about you? Are you a hermit, living by yourself in a hidden log cabin? Are you doing your best to make music with a battered violin that has taken years for you to master – even if poorly? Let your friends in the door, warm them and make them comfortable. Then invite them to fill your life with beautiful music. How about your children?  They learn how to live from you. Teach them the value of friends. Most of all teach them the value the Master brings to their lives. You will find joy and will introduce your children to the joy of having friends and being friends.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.