New Year’s Eve we were watching “Live from Lincoln Center.” Hope was recovering from losing four wisdom teeth that morning. Nancy was reading, I was riding the stationary bike I borrowed from friends a year ago. In short, we were exercising our bodies, our minds, and our patience with pain.

I looked at the television just as the camera showed a closeup of a violin neck. I’m sure the director was wanting to show the hand. I noticed the wood. The body of the violin was nicely varnished. The finish on the neck was completely worn off. And then the shot moved on.

I stayed with the worn neck. I’m guessing that the owner didn’t worry about the appearance of the neck. In fact, the wear was evidence that the owner plays. A lot. Practice and performance. Scales and symphonies.

I thought about a Bible at the memorial service last Saturday. DeVon’s Bible was worn, the…