Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. – 1 Samuel 16:22-23

Two years ago I published one of my favorite posts, featuring the work of Luthier Hans Boyesen (Only The Maker can restore your song). It’s worth another look, plus there are some really interesting photos.

Well, Friday morning Rebekah and I headed over to Hans’ workshop so he could take a look at her ukulele, which has developed a mysterious crack along its side.

It’s a beautiful instrument with a sweet tone, and Rebekah has been both studying and practicing seriously since she brought it home this time last year.

One of the stock responses Rebekah offers when people ask about her uke goes something like this: “Have you ever seen anyone playing the ukulele who isn’t happy?” The answer of course is “No!” There seems to be a beautiful lightness of being that comes with playing the ukulele, a palpable spirit of peace and beneficence.

Search YouTube using the term, “ukulele players” if you don’t believe me; you’ll find happy people smiling happy smiles – it comes with the territory.

Alchemy:

Spending a few minutes in the Born Again Guitars workshop reminded me that my friend Hans is not just a luthier, he’s a kind of alchemist, a shaman dabbling in the language of joy. There is a beautiful atmosphere throughout the entire space, the product of well-loved instruments and their history, healing (guitars and spirits both), creativity, and the irrepressible soul of music.

As Hans’ reputation grows, so is the business, so we were pleased to meet his colleague – and fellow lover of stringed-instruments – Buddy Consorti.

They both picked up Rebekah’s instrument, and they  both coaxed life out of it.

That is profound to me. Coaxing life out and then – via healing – putting life back in. I believe this is our mission as people: to coax life from one another, to facilitate and to encourage, and at the same time to add life too.

Like the quote from Irenaeus I was reminded of today: “God’s glory is to see [humankind] fully alive.”

Let’s do this well and generously, both coaxing life from one another and putting more of life in; being fully alive; bringing God glory, singing God’s song  – Derek