I recently had an extraordinary encounter with another human being. After the last two years, I must admit, my faith in my fellow humans has waned. But in the light of Divine Mercy Sunday and the Gospel story of doubting Thomas, it has taken the trusting ways of a humble violin maker to show me that God still speaks mercy through our neighbour.
When the time had come to begin the search for a new fiddle for my daughter, I was given a list of names to pursue. This being our first fiddle purchase, I felt somewhat vulnerable, not knowing what to expect and wondering how I would know if we were getting our money’s worth. Though I can’t say I prayed about this situation, looking back, I think the Lord was trying to teach me that even the purchase of a fiddle can be entrusted to his care.
Charles responded to my inquiry right away and explained that he has a long line of buyers, but if we were willing to wait about one month, he would have three fiddles ready for us to try. Since he lives in the neighbouring province, about three hours away, he offered to send the fiddles to us and we could keep them for a trial period, with no obligation to purchase any. I was flabbergasted. How could someone who does not know us trust us with three expensive instruments? Despite my shock, the fiddles arrived, and my daughter immediately felt drawn to one of them. We consulted with both a musician friend and my daughter’s instructor, both of whom agreed with her choice and were equally surprised at Charles’ accommodating ways. The decision made, we arranged to make the trek to return the two remaining fiddles, feeling the need to meet Charles in person.
The first thing Charles asked us after introductions were made was how we found the process of buying a violin with him. Was it enjoyable? Did we have enough time to make our decision? I responded by saying that the process was the whole reason we had decided to come in person, so we could meet this man who trusted us with his precious creations and made the rather daunting process of buying a violin not just enjoyable, but memorable. Immediately we could tell from his soft tone of voice and the way he spoke about his violins that his is a labour of love and that he also takes great care and interest in the one who will end up playing and, hopefully, taking care of the work of his hands. He asked to hear my daughter play on her chosen instrument and his joy was obvious. He was satisfied the fiddle was in good hands.
His humility was striking. I told him I was blown away by his sending us the three instruments with no money exchanged and no promise of money. He replied that that is the way he has conducted business for 35 years, and that it is the only way he would ever do business. As we walked away from Charles’ unassuming shop connected to his home, my daughter said, “I think that’s the nicest person I’ve ever met.” I couldn’t have been more grateful for the encounter and the lasting impression I knew it would have on me and my daughter.
As I mulled over our encounter with Charles on the ride home, I couldn’t help thinking how this man, who was basically a stranger, exemplified God’s mercy and goodness. I have no idea what this man’s faith is, if he has any, but he mirrored the mercy of Christ to me in a simple, but profound way. I felt like I was the doubting Apostle Thomas in this situation. I couldn’t fathom someone having such faith in a stranger. Obviously, Charles was able to place the value of a person above the value of a handcrafted violin, even knowing how valuable that instrument is.
For two years, we’ve all witnessed people being skeptical of each other. It took a fiddle maker in New Brunswick to remind me that we are capable of and desperately need to treat each other with mercy and trust or we can’t survive. Charles mentioned that in all his years of doing business the way he does, he has never had a problem. At first, I thought, well, he’s lucky. Then, I thought, no, he’s not lucky, he’s reaping what he sows.
St. Thomas saw with his own eyes the Face of Mercy and was able to profess his faith with all his heart. Our experience with Charles was not only a reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness, but that we are called to mirror that mercy and kindness to each other.
Lazzuri writes from her home in Nova Scotia, where she lives with her husband, six children, and her mom. She can be reached at clarelazzuri@gmail.com.
