MOTIVATIONAL: A GIFT LEFT IN A CASE

Niccolò Paganini (October 27, 1782 – May 27, 1840) is considered one of the greatest violinists of all time. He was a virtuoso, performing his first concert at age eleven. His great technical ability revolutionised the violin technique across Europe.

When he died in Nice, France in 1840, he willed his violin to Genoa, Italy, the place of his birth. But he did so on one condition: “that no other artist ever play his instrument again”.

Glad to have the violin come into their possession, the city’s fathers agreed to the request and they put it in a beautiful case for everyone to see.

But wooden instruments have a certain peculiarity. As long as they are handled, they show no wear. But if one lay unused, it begins to decay, which is what happened to Paganini’s violin.

His once-exquisite instrument became worm-eaten and useless. Other violins of the same vintage have been handed down through generations, from one gifted musician to another and they continue to bring great music to attentive audiences. But Paganini’s violin became a crumbling relic of what it once was.

LESSON

The talent you have been given by God cannot be set aside like Paganini’s violin. If you do not nurture your ability, it will steadily decay until it is useless.

But if you consistently work with it, diligently trying to bring out its best, it will bring forth “music” that will not only give you joy but will also serve others and bring you success.

Are you a “gift in a case” or “a gift serving others?”

Have a historical week ahead! #HistoryVille #MondayMotivation

Culled from John Maxwell’s, “SUCCESS: ONE DAY AT A TIME.”