I find this painting of my dad’s intriguing. The lighthouse sits high on a rock, promising to illuminate the dark skies and warn boats of the rocks that would crush them. I see hope and promise in that image.
And then I glimpse the large fall leaves in the foreground, those that soon will wither and disappear as coldness sets in. They are a sign of the earth hibernating and sleeping.
Two juxtaposing images. Together, they bring hope for light even in the seasons of death.
What do you see?
Today I thought we could spend a few moments taking in some words of Jesus as depicted my dad in these sketches. Why not spend some time considering one or more of the scenes, asking God through his Spirit to speak to you. What strikes you? Do you see something in a new way?
Stop for a moment and look at my dad’s watercolor. Transport yourself to the little red shed. What’s it for? Painting? Writing? Pilates?
What’s happening outside the window? What’s the temperature outside and in?
What’s on your heart to do or create today? What emotions rise to the surface as you stop to reflect where you can see God’s fingerprints today?
Commit the rest of your day to God’s care.
Autumn is a time of glorious colors, as I was reminded last week when I spent time in the Upper Midwest of America. Glorious oranges and yellows peppered the browns and greens in the tree-line, which I noticed even more because London doesn’t afford such striking colors. I’ve heard that the difference in temperature from warm days to cool nights produces the amazing displays.
I suppose this can be true in our own lives. When we move from extreme temperatures, whether through grief or change or some other reason, we can look to God to bring forth his beauty in and through us as we walk through the changes or time of testing. If we’ve committed our lives to him, he will be doing this work already, and often we aren’t aware ourselves of how he’s moving within us. But others can see the fruit of the Spirit, the glorious gifts of autumn.
How today can you commit yourself to God, asking him to reflect his love and life within you? In terms of my dad’s painting, what speaks to you within it?
For the love of a horse…
Today, why not ponder the amazing creatures God has given us to enjoy – horses, dogs, cats, and so many wild creatures. They can enrich our lives through their love and service.
What’s your favorite animal?
Pause for a moment and breathe. Imagine you’re on a calm lake, and the sun will soon set. Hints of the glorious colors the sky will morph into in moments appear, the pinks and reds beckoning. You inhale the sweet scent of calm, wanting to enjoy the moment, reveling in the wonder of God’s creation. You let your cares fall away, even if for just a short slice of time. You whisper a prayer of thanks, that God has given you this gift of being, of enjoying, of wonder.
Have you eased fully into summer? We’ve had the longest day, and the 4th of July, and for Americans it may feel like half of the summer is over. Yet my kids aren’t even out of school yet! So our official summer holidays aren’t here yet, but soon and very soon will be.
Today I’m looking at this painting by my dad of what may be a river in the Midwest of America as I think about fresh water and warm evenings and beautiful, colorful skies.
Do you have scenes of beauty before you?
I’ve shared this watercolor before, but as I’m actually in Spain, looking at this very view in the evening from the balcony outside my room, it feels fitting to share it again.
We’re retreating, looking at Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and exploring how we live in and for Christ. Group discussion, imaginative prayer, walking the labyrinth… it’s been a great week so far and we’ve got more to enjoy! Check out El Palmeral for more details – you won’t be sorry.
Soon I will go to Spain, to the lovely El Palmeral, where I’ll be leading a retreat when we delve into the book of Colossians. Such a lot to explore in just 95 verses! The incomparable Christ, living in Christ, living for Christ.
I’m sharing this painting of my dad’s today as I think about Spain, for I love the colors he uses. Although the Mediterranean climate means for a lot of brown, when I think of Spain I think in color – the vibrant bougainvillea and other flowers, the glimpses of glory painted in the sky as the sun sets. And as this painting shows, time to sit by some water and reflect and converse, enjoying God’s glories and each other.
If you can’t make it to a led retreat at El Palmeral, you could enjoy what they call a time-out retreat. You craft the time as you wish, such as the daily Celtic prayer in the outdoor chapel. Those who go, want to come back!
It’s that time of year when many Americans come to Europe for vacation/holiday, and the time when I see on social media the many graduations and proms. Schools are generally out now across the pond, while my kids have well over a month left of the daily grind. I remind myself of our regular breaks in the school year – the two weeks at Christmas and Easter, and the three half-term breaks of a year. It all evens out in the end. But I do remember fondly that feeling of the last day of school, with the long three months stretching out in front of me. I had the chance to get bored.
And so in the spirit of the season, today’s painting is of a European city with throngs of visitors – I’m thinking this might be Prague, but will have to ask my dad.
What holiday plans do you have? Any city breaks planned?