The story is told that Nicolo Paganini, the great violinist, willed his violin to the city of his birth, Genoa.  He did this on one condition – that it never be played.  As a result of this lack of use, the violin decayed.  This beautiful, magnificent instrument was worm-eaten in its case.

What a sad waste!  Something so beautiful that brought so much joy to its owner and many other people just left to deteriorate by itself.  That is a sad story.

Even more disheartening is the fact that just as this violin, a once vibrant life, when withdrawn from service to others, loses its meaning.

A person can get to this place for many different reasons.  They could rise to a place of affluence and become the one who is served and lose sight of the joy of giving.  Or, a person could become so down on themselves that they no longer feel they have anything to offer anyone else.   A more likely scenario is that a person simply becomes so busy with trying to keep their own life afloat that they don’t even think about anyone else.

Whatever the cause, a life without meaning is unfortunate and sad.

Take a look at your life.  Are you making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around you?

Serve and give to someone and and you will be able to live . . . your life to the fullest.