“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?

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?

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!

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

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

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

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…