A Master’s Hands

JulieAnn JohnsonFebruary 25, 2017

One of my favorite poems is “The Touch of the Master’s Hands,” by Myra Books Welch. While we often read her poem and think of the value of the violin, I would like to focus on the value of the master.

I believe that each of us is a master; we are parents, instructors, friends, co-workers, and employers. We all teach. We have important messages to share. How can we have the touch of the master?

elch says, “A gray-

haired man came

forward and picked

up the bow.”

W

There is much to be said about experience and wisdom. Who doesn’t envision an ancient visage limping in with the right words to say and the solution to all problems.  I do.

While I hope that this doesn’t require the gray hair, there is value in life experiences and the wisdom that comes with them. I love the saying, “Walk the Talk.”

If we want to be effective teachers, we must master our subjects through experience and wisdom, not just knowledge and degrees.

The other glaring principle from this stanza is volunteerism. No one asked the master to sell the violin. No one handed him the bow, knowing he could play. He saw a need and took his place. There are so many needs. There are so many struggling to find their note. Will we be the ones to pick up the bow?

ext the master, “Wip[es] the dust from the old violin” (Welch).N

I love that the master knows how to put “First things first,” (Covey, 7 Habits). While playing is the end goal, preparing to play is just as important. He cares for the violin, he is gentle, he is patient, he is careful. Masters know that teaching is not just about the test, the outcome or the assignment. Teaching is about the student. Whenever we are driven by performance and procedures we miss what truly matters…people.

ext comes the tricky

part, “Tightening the

loose strings” (Welch).  N

Tuning can be a little tricky. One turn too much and you’ve popped a string. One turn too little and you are flat. Masters know this and make slow, small adjustments. Everyone needs feedback, grading, and guidance. This is part of a Master’s responsibility. He couldn’t play the violin without some tugs and pulls.   Constructive criticism is essential to growth. But we must listen closely. We must make minute changes. We must turn and try, and turn and try again.

hen the master, “Played a

melody pure and sweet as

caroling angel sings”

(Welch).

TI love beautiful music, the kind that makes your soul start to sing and spin and share. I love great teaching, the kind that keeps you thinking for days, the kind that makes you shout what you learned from the roof tops, the kind that sends you seeking and searching further, the kind taught by a Master.

Ou r

purpose really is, “The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought by the touch of the Master's hand” (Welch).

I have a final question as this poem ends. Do people come up and pat the Master on the back; do they praise his playing and give gracious accolades? I don’t imagine the story ending this way. 

I imagine the Master quietly slipping out the back during the chaos of the auction. He goes quietly on his way. Masters know that teaching is not about them, it is about those that are taught.

Who will you touch today?Image 1http://www.divineinterventionnow.org/writings/view/64-The-Touch-Of-The-Masters-Hand

Image 2http://www.singingwood.com/violin-bow-hold/HowToHoldTheViolinBow.html

Image 3https://newrepublic.com/article/114733/stop-forcing-your-kids-learn-musical-instrument

Image 4https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anders_Zorn_-_Hins_Anders_%281904%29.jpg

Image 5http://www.theriverstonegroup.com/how-i-wrote-the-touch-of-the-masters-hand/

Image 6https://biblicalconnection.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/gods-grace-changing-lives/

JulieAnn is a stay at home mom who enjoys reading and writing, as well as producing and directing plays in her community, and directing two show choirs. In her spare moments you will probably catch her chasing little ones and forever doing one more load of laundry.