Aren't we cute together?
But, seriously-after several years of playing on a cheap, mass-produced 3/4 violin, I am ecstatic! Ivanhoe's sound is very rich and mellow. It's like I place Guinivere (the bow) on a string, and muisc flows out. No more bow-sawing for me; playing is so much more enjoyable now.
I'm excited to play my new violin, and super grateful to the amazing parents who paid for it, along with years of lessons. Of course, I didn't always show my gratitude. Sometimes (here's a shocker) I might have displayed the exact opposite. But I'm so glad they made me stick with it.
Ultimately, everything is God's, including Ivanhoe and on a broader scale, all music. I want to glorify Him with the violin. Question is, how?
Besides playing in church and at nursing homes, I haven't come up with too many ideas. Suggestions, anyone?
Gorgeous. Wow. Have fun, and I can assure you, the Flock will look forward to hearing more from you and your new friend.
ReplyDeleteKing David says in Psalm 33-- Sing to Him a new song;
ReplyDeletePlay skillfully with a shout of joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is upright,
And all His work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.
I have always loved this passage. Learning to play skillfully IS glorifying to God, whether you're playing Mozart or hymns, to yourself or to the world. Beauty is a part of God's nature, and your ability to make music (or anything beautiful) reflects his image in you. This is how an unsaved composer like Mozart could make music that gives God glory, even though his LIFE didn't. When you are aware of this reflection, you can deliberately and consciously give him thanks and praise for so many things (ability, music itself, gifted composers, parents who make it possible, the instrument, and so on). Then your life AND music match.
While it seems clear that you can glorify God when you play by yourself, sharing your music gives back to others the joy God has given you through music. That's what love does. First, ministry to your family is a tremendous blessing. My children love when I play for them at night, or when we play and sing together. And I suspect that your parents enjoy hearing you practice and play as well. Being willing to play at family gatherings is sometimes hard, but is delightful. (I have a relative who comes from a family of musicians who never just sat around making music together. It was always work.)
If you know school teachers, you could volunteer to come and introduce your instrument and give a demonstration at their classroom. My children LOVE to watch musicians up close, and it is inspiring to them. You may find that your willingness to play show and tell inspires other young people to learn an instrument that you love. Volunteering for a home school group would also work (and like Denise, you can bring your violin any time to our house, and you will find a rapt audience).
I've discovered that sharing knowledge is a wonderful way to get to know your neighbors and make redemptive friendships. I use candy making and my English education in this way, but you may have neighbors who would enjoy learning to play the violin. (I've had a few discussions about teaching piano to neighbors, but it's never worked out). Of course, the better prepared you are, the more God can use you as a teacher. So practicing now in order to be used in the future is likewise glorifying to God.
Playing in community groups gives you more opportunities to share the gospel. Thinking through a biblical approach to practicing and performing prepares you to share how the gospel makes a difference to a musician. Many musicians are devastated at a poor performance, take drugs to calm their nerves, or are hateful to other imperfect people. The gospel has an answer for those things. Your light can shine bright.
Don't forget to pray and ask God to use your violin to open doors. You will be surprised how God will answer your prayer and use your preparation now to share the gospel in the future. And of course, PRACTICE! Your faithfulness to prepare gives God tremendous glory. Look at the apostle Paul, whose preparation in languages and the Scripture was instrumental in his service to the Lord. And look at King David, whose musical and poetic ability was greatly used by God. But that ability had to be developed.
Thanks so much for the thoughts :) They are inspiring and encouraging! I don't feel like I can adequately reply to them online, but hopefully sometime soon, in person :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear about your new violin, Aubrey; it's like a new friend with grand potential. . .I can't wait to hear the music flow out. blessings
ReplyDeleteHey, speaking of violins, I got to see a great violinist named Janice Martin on the showboat Branson Belle. She is amazing. She also plays piano and sings. I reccommend everyone to go see her. She is AMAZING!!!!!!But honestly I think Aubrey the better. Have fun with your violin.
ReplyDeletelove, hannah