Finding Dori

It’s never too late to pursue your passion.

Never.

Music has always as had a special place in my heart. I started with guitar at age 8, added violin at age 11 and trumpet at age 13. I vividly recall sitting in a trance-like state next to my mother’s record player listening to a rendition of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Opus 64. To this day not a moment goes by where music is not playing, either in my head or in real life. Of all my musical interests, violin was my favorite.

Almost 3 decades ago I put aside my violin for other pursuits. I was focused on getting into veterinary school so science, math, and clinical experience became my obsession. Music just didn’t seem to fit into the equation in my narrow view. So I put it aside to focus on what I thought was important, leaving my passion to wither.

But the music kept playing in my head, kept calling me in real life.

From time to time I’d release my violin from its case and try to play again, but never with serious interest. I was too busy with school, too busy with working towards my career. I drug my violin from apartment to apartment, from Pullman to Moses Lake then to Hartline as a reminder of a missing piece of my life.

Two years ago I tried picking up my violin in earnest again but it just didn’t work out. Despite my efforts to bring music back into my life I just couldn’t make it work. It was my timing, not God’s.

Then, recently, the calling became so strong I couldn’t resist. The Lord was calling me to play. With the encouragement of many friends and family, I picked up an instrument that had long laid dormant. This time it was God’s timing, which makes all the difference.

It’s like riding a bike…my skills are coming back, slow though it be. I’m not Tour de France caliber, more like leisurely ride down the Centennial Trail caliber. Between singing on my church’s worship team and now playing my violin I feel like a missing piece has been found.

I quickly realized my training wheels (student quality instrument with poor sound quality) needed to come off. So I began a search. With the help of my violin instructor/friend I began looking, and quickly realized the buying a violin was not like looking for clothing online. It’s not like you can order 5 options, try them on and send back what you don’t like. I was going to have to really go shopping.

And I did just that: A week ago we headed to Spokane with a goal of finding my new musical partner. Three shops were on my list, two of which were open. After playing literally 20 violins I found her. I found Dori. At least that’s what I’m naming her. She’s from 1880 by an Italian maker, Valentino De Zorzi (at least that’s what her label says…you never know 100% with vintage violins). She’s not perfect…but neither am I. She was restored by a violin maker in Spokane (Ropp Violins) after arriving in the US literally in pieces. There’s been times I’ve been in pieces and needed my Maker to put me back together. We’re a lot alike (except she’s 100 years older). Oh how I wonder what stories her wood could tell.

Now comes the challenge of taking my rudimentary skills, those of a 13 year old when I last played in earnest, and honing them into the musician I wish to be. Lord willing it will be so. Will doing so be easy? Certainly not. Will the hard work be worth the effort? Indeed it will. For the reward will be the opportunity to help move the hearts of our congregation, to help bring them closer to our Lord and Savior.

So dear friends…hold on to your passions. Never let go of what brings you joy. Keep that flame alive in your heart. Maybe someday you’ll cast off that scared kid who hesitated to play in public and post a video for the world to see of you renewing your joy.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
~ Proverbs 16:9