Are the sounds and signposts that direct us towards the meaning of life hidden? One of the greatest luthiers of our time reveals the secrets of his profession--and how each phase of handcrafting a violin can point us toward our calling, our true selves, and the overwhelming power and gentleness of God's love.
Martin Schleske explains that our world is flooded with metaphors, parables, and messages from God. But are we truly listening? Do we really see? Using his life experiences, his insights as a master violin maker, and Scripture, Schleske challenges readers to understand the world, ourselves, and the Creator in fresh ways.
When we are able to express the inexpressible, the unheard aspects of life, we become like a well-tuned instrument. As Schleske says, "In the final analysis, music is prayer cast into sound." The message of this unique book is mirrored in the sensitive photographs by Donata Wenders, an internationally recognized photographer from Berlin.
Table of Contents
Translator's Note
Preface: Creating Metaphors for Life
1. The Singing Tree: The Heart's Search
2. The Tree's Wisdom: The Beginning of Spiritual Strength
3. The Design: The Harmony of Opposites
4. Tone Colors: Beauty's Vulnerability
5. The Arching and the Wood's Grain: Belief as Reverence and Mercy
6. To Be an Instrument: The Beauty of our Calling
7. The Closed Sound: Belief in a Loving and Therefore Suffering God
8. Reworking the Violin: The Pain and Crisis of Faith
9. The Sculpture (I): The Meaning of Doubt
10. The Charisma of the Stradivarius: The Meaning of Grace
11. The Secret of the Violin's Varnish: Reconciliation in the Diversity of Community
12. The Inner Fire: Living by the Holy Spirit
13. The Concert: From "Me" to "You"
14. The Sculpture (II): The Meaning of Beauty
Conclusion: A New Beginning
