Sounds of a Violin

This is my last weekend here in the other C-town.  Time has definitely flown by.  I feel kind of like I've been gone to camp, and I'll soon be coming back down to face the music.  Not that this has been a fun camp.  But it's definitely not "real life."      

Everyday on the way to and from class, I see people who have chosen a different sort of vocation.  Some are very talented and choose to entertain the crowds of people in the subway station - hoping to receive donations.  Others make good use of Dunkin Donuts' cups and stand there shaking a few coins, maybe even venturing to call out to people passing by.  I've often thought of stopping and asking how much money they make and why they choose to make money this way.  They are regulars, and I have come to expect them.  Usually they are of one specific ethnicity.  The other day, I was surprised to hear the sounds of a violin playing, and I went closer to see who it was.  An elderly Asian grandpa was playing violin to an accompanying soundtrack.  He had his violin case open, and he was playing with stiff and cold fingers.  He looked tired, but made eye contact and gave me a sad smile when I came up to give him some money.  After my initial surprise, I began to feel so sad.  Why was he playing here?  What desperate situation does he face that he ventured out to play on such a cold day?  I'm not exactly the most "Korean" person I know, but one thing my family did keep and emphasize was the respect and veneration of our elders.  A lot of family effort has gone into caring for our aging grandparents and keeping them as an integral part of our family.  And especially since my father passed away, I've thought long and hard about how to care for my mother through the remaining seasons of her life.

I also thought about how I would feel if the only option in my life would be to play a violin in the subway.  I'm not sure I would get much money.  I pick up my violin very rarely now, and the sounds that are produced can scarcely be called musical.  I think about how much time and money were invested into my music - choirs, piano, violin, flute, viola, organ.  And I have so little to show for it now.  I actually run away from people asking me to perform.  Partly it's because of bad memories associated with always performing at command for my mom and partly because I feel so stressed about having to recall skills that are diminishing by the minute.  Pretty sad, huh?  However, I do have the utmost respect for musicians as a result, and one of the most exciting things for me is to have time for a concert at Severance or to watch one of my musician friends perform in their recitals.  Two areas in my life I've always wished to have more time for - music and writing.  To make something beautiful.  I'm reminded in my daily devotions that God has plans for us individually.  I really wonder what He'll end up doing with my life.  I look around at my family, friends, and acquaintances - we're all so blessed.  It's so exciting to see and celebrate all the talent, opportunities, and happiness that God has given.  New babies, growing children, marriages that are weathering challenges and staying strong, wonderful career opportunities, an exciting presidential race this year, hopes for peace in war-torn countries, increasing awareness about our environment, etc....  We have so much to be thankful for!  Blessed be the name of the Lord!  For He is worthy of our praise!     

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'" Lamentations 3:22-24