There was once an Italian boy named Antonio. He loved music and wanted above everything else to become a singer, but whenever he tried to sing his friends laughed at him. However, his village was home to Nicolo Amati, the greatest violin maker in Italy. One day Antonio showed him a toy violin he had carved with his pocket knife. The great Amati was impressed and said, “Beautifully done! You want to make violins? And so you shall! In time your violins will make the most beautiful music ever heard!” And so, Antonio Stradivari became his pupil and went on to create the Stradivarius violins that today are worth a fortune, reminding us that when we can’t have the things that seem closest to our hearts, God may have an alternative that is even better. The trick is in being prepared to seek it.