The Touch of the Master’s Hand
by Myra Brooks Welch

‘Twas battered and scarred, and the old auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
to waste much time on the old violin,
But he still held it up with a smile:
“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,
“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”
“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?
Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?
Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
going for three …” but no.
From the room far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said; “What am I bidden for the old violin?”
And he held it up with the bow.
“A thousand! And who’ll make it two?
Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?
Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,
And going, and gone,” said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
“We do not quite understand
What changed it’s worth.” Swift came the reply:
“The touch of the master’s hand.”

And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sun,
Is auctioned cheep to the thoughtless crowd,
Much like this old violin.
A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine;
A game; and he travels on.
He is “going” once, “going” twice,
He’s “going” and almost “gone.”
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought
By the touch of the Master’s hand.


“For I know the plans I have for you
declares the lord ….
plans to give you a hope
and a future ….
You will seek me and find me,
when you seek me with all your heart.

- Jeremiah 29:11,13 -

From your love and wisdom have I come
To this place and time.
To me you have given talent and life and blessings.
To me you have given tasks given to no others.

With joy and gratitude
I celebrate my much-honored existence.
From ages past to eternity,
I have been included in your divine plan.

Thank you, God, for creating ME!
- unknown -
 


Each one of you is fearfully and wonderfully made,
created by Him and for Him … 
every one unique and special in your own way.
Take time today to thank Him for creating ’you’ ….
I’m thanking Him for the blessing of ’you’ in my life today!
 Have a beautiful Thankful Thursday in Him. 
Hugs, 
Deborah <><

… something I read earlier …

“everything that exists, exists to make the
greatness of Christ more fully known”