Comments on: Keeping Vigil | A Pitiless Universe or a Lover’s World?

By: Theresa Bannink

Theresa Bannink — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:25:11 +0000

I received this email today, and as I was reading it I kept thinking about this blog of yours, Steve….. it has a similar massage. Thought you might find it interesting…

“Perception”

…something to think about…

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

The questions raised: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…How many other things are we missing?

By: Karen Flack-Buettner

Karen Flack-Buettner — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:34:29 +0000

This is a powerful reflection – when I first knew God in my own soul I had a sense of huge love for me and around me. Since then that presence and experience of love continues – not only in me but around me.

My late husband of 28 years had a huge love for me, so big that now God has blessed me with a new husband, I have a reservoir of love to pour into him. Without a doubt, the abundant, over flowing love is of God – I know, that I know, that is is a love greater than I am capable of within solely a human existence.

So blessed am I by God in an ever growing love relationship. Though I have never had children – I have known the love that creates the ache you described. Is this not the same love-ache God felt for us through the sacrifice of Christ?

By: Irene Lem

Irene Lem — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:12:44 +0000

Hi Steve!

Thanks for sharing your heart. It is very moving story and surely God does touch through us somehow.

God bless you and your family!

Irene

P.S. Glad your grandson is ok!

By: mark

mark — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:26:55 +0000

Loved this glimpse of a humanizing moment that Luca wrought on an unsuspecting soul. Prayers for Luca’s continued well-being, that the procedure was thorough, and that he has returned to full vigor. Prayers for the young man whose armor was pierced by an unarmed child whose arms slew the dragon of fear and denial, that he will hearken to the light of the Lover behind this universe.

How is it that you had to wait 24 hours after arriving at the hospital for this dire situation to be addressed?

By: Verna Froese

Verna Froese — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:58:46 +0000

What a lovely song…..Keeping Vigil!

By: Lori V.

Lori V. — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:03:19 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing this story. As a new mom myself (our daughter is 11 months old), I now understand the aching love for your children. We live in London, but my husband and I have been involved with a wonderful church in Toronto – Sanctuary – which I believe you are familiar with. Since having Mira we have been able to visit Sanctuary twice, and hope to continue this tradition for years to come. It almost brings tears to my eyes to see the people who go to the drop ins there, rough around the edges, smelly, drug addicts and prostitues, interact with our happy girl. The joy that she is able to bring to people can only be described as a pure joy, only from our Creator. I have learned so much about truly seeing people as God sees them through our daughter.

By: David Andrew Wiebe

David Andrew Wiebe — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:12:26 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Steve!

This is an awesome and touching story, and you always have a way with words.

By: Cathryn Wooton

Cathryn Wooton — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:35:39 +0000

Steve,
Speaking of kids and hospitals, I always wanted to tell you that 5 years ago I found myself following an ambulance at 2 a.m. that was carrying my 7-yr-old son to the ER after he had had a huge seizure in the middle of the night. Of course, I was frantic and stunned with disbelief, and then slowly, I noticed the song that was playing on the CD: “Wings of an Eagle”…”As we hope in the Lord, we will gain our strength…” And I was calmed.

It was a long year as we treated him for a brain tumor, but we rejoice to say that he is healed and seizure-free and listens to your music with me all the time, hoping to be as good as you someday:) I smile whenever that song comes on as it reminds me of the peace and hope I find in God every day.

Wow – can’t imagine. Thanks for sharing that Cathryn | Steve

By: Jodi McLaren

Jodi McLaren — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:21:29 +0000

Yep, lovers world definately. Thank you for that beautiful story of God through Luca. Some of us are fortunate to have the veil removed and be able to witness acts of God that others don’t. What a gift you have received and are willing to share with us Steve. (I’m blubbering away here.)

What a helpless feeling when our petite loved ones are in the hospital. Athough Gus is a big strapping 19 year old it seems like not so long ago he was my firstborn, one year old in hospital for a minor (to everyone else) surgery -very difficult.

And don’t forget all the well wishes you and Nancy and Sarah’s family received while you were waiting…

By: Dennis Howe

Dennis Howe — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:30:25 +0000

Oh man Steve,
I often try to describe the love, respect and pride I feel for my kids, and then it’s extremity that I feel for my grandkids. Thanks for sharing, I’ve seen that “knowing look”, and hadn’t figured outut how to describe it to others, can I steal your phrase? You hint, in your memory of the “Keeping Vigil” song, at the ppower of music. I just saw a documentary on Netflix about Music and Instinct, a watch for all musicians. Thanks again for your memory!