Life is to be lived. No excuses. No reservations. No holding back.
An enchanting story about the talented violinist Fritz Kreisler tells how he once came across a beautiful instrument he wanted to acquire. When he finally raised the money for the violin, he returned to buy it and learned that it had already been sold to a collector.
He went to the new owner's home in order to try to persuade him to sell the violin. But the collector said it was one of his prized possessions and he could not let it go. The disappointed Kreisler turned to leave, but then asked a favor. "May I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?"
Permission was granted and the great musician began to play. The violin sang out a quality of music so beautiful that the collector himself could only listen in wonderment. "I have no right to keep that to myself," he said after the musician finished. "The violin is yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into world, and let people hear it."
William Arthur Ward said, "If you believe in prayer, pray; if you believe in serving, serve; if you believe in giving, give." For you and I are exquisite violins and our music is meant to be heard.
I want to live my life that way -- to take it into the world and live it fully. I'd rather burn out than rust out. I'd rather be used up than die not having done whatever I could...wherever I would.
I'm not talking about wearing out due to unrestrained over-activity. Happiness is never found in excessive busyness. But it is found in investing our lives in others. And letting your music be heard.
In the end, I know that my happiness will not have been about my ability or my inability. It will be more about my availability.
I want to live my life. No excuses. No reservations. No holding back.
-- Steve Goodier
Image: Flickr.com/kimverlihalili
