TODAY THE WORDS are FIT AS A FIDDLE. Most of us have heard the ole phrase, “fit as a fiddle” and I never knew what that was supposed to mean or why a fiddle was used. This phrase was used in the 1600’s to describe a servant that was qualified to do her job. Of course the ‘fiddle’ here is the colloquial name for violin. ‘Fit’ didn’t originally mean healthy and energetic, in the sense it is often used nowadays to describe the inhabitants of gyms. When this phrase was coined ‘fit’ was used to mean ‘suitable, seemly’, in the way we now might say ‘fit for purpose’. It somehow, when I was young, was used to describe someone in very good physical fitness, so therefore, the switch of meaning to this phrase. This morning I am taking a third switch so come along with me. Have you ever looked at a fiddle or violin closely? It is the crafting of this fine instrument that I want to share thoughts. A violinist craftsman’s wife wrote that the minimum time it takes her husband to build a violin is 250 hours of intense work to make it. Others say a slighter number of 160 hours. Either way, this is a difficult, painstaking work of art and musical enchantment for all listeners. We have seen many fine fiddlers and from observing, it takes talent and a lot of energy to play this instrument. Now for the deeper thought and why this subject on a cold Saturday morning……Have you ever thought about what makes the difference between a fiddle and a violin? Nothing, except what kind of music is played using it……simple, right? When we think of a violin, we think orchestra, classical music, romantic genre. When we think of a fiddle, we think bluegrass, down home music, foot stomping or rowdy crowds. We are born as a possible violin or fiddle (same instrument) by the most creative maker ever and then it is up to us what music we want the musician (being life) to play thus defining which one we become, fiddle or violin. We can be more refined and have a desire to be more classical or we can love the down home music and be comfortable in jeans. What is important, is we are still the same instrument from God’s hands so one doesn’t have to be “all fancy” or nothing is wrong with being “down home country”. God loves us all the same. So whether you are comfortable as a violin or a fiddle, we should try to stay “fit as a fiddle (or a violin) and that means “fit for the purpose” we were designed to be. Make some music in your hearts today and whether it is a concert or a hoe down, show love in all you do.
DAILY FEATURED BIBLE VERSE:
Psalm 101:1
A Psalm of David. I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music
(c) copyright 2012 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission.
