The past two months, I participated in a watercolor painting class. After a little motivation from my wife (including two day classes as a Valentine's Day gift), I decided to take the next step. It was intimidating, but enjoyable and I learned so many things about painting and about life.
I expected to gain some understanding of artistic design, painting tools and watercolor techniques. What I did not expect included learning to see with new eyes and insights into living in the moment. The instructor repeatedly mentioned that taking this class would change the way we saw the world around us. From his perspective, becoming a student of art ultimately leads to asking of the things we see in our lives, "How can I paint that?" The answer involves more than color choices and techniques, it also involves truly observing what we see.
A classic example happened during a recent class on painting trees. As we began to paint the trunks and limbs, our teacher asked, "what color should we use?" Of course, we responded with browns and grays. His suggestion, "begin with blue." I was sure I'd never seen a blue tree trunk, but I was patient. By the time the class was over, our blue tree trunks looked more realistic than I imagined possible. Since then, as I observed the trees around me, I've seen a number of blue tree trunks and a number of colors I never knew were there.
Attentiveness to life is a gift. Not only do we see surprising colors and details we never noticed, but our eyes are opened to life that is all around us. The great diversity of creations begins to unfold before us and some of the simplest, most common things become awe-inspiring wonders.
Similar discoveries await us in our emotional, relational and spiritual worlds as well. When we pause long enough to truly see and when we are willing to retrain our senses, a world of fantastic wonders open to us, filled with great diversity, new discoveries and unimaginable inspiration.
I love living with my new eyes on the world. I invite you to join me as you take the time to open yours to what is around you as well.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
It's About Time
In the digital would we live in, it is easy to appear lost should you decide to unplug for a while. We are accustomed to speedy responses and easy accessibility leaving a myriad of open-ended questions if we fail to respond as expected. Take too long responding to a friend request on Facebook and someone's feelings are hurt. Take some time away from the computer and folks will wonder what happened to you. Technology creates wonderful opportunities, but with them come some interesting challenges.
I remember when there was no instant messaging, texting, or email. It was a time when a letter could arrive on my desk, sit for a day or two before a read it, be mailed by the end of the week and I was considered prompt. Now, I occasionally get phone calls in the early afternoon wondering why I did not respond to the email sent to me at 11:00 a.m. that morning. People with crises message me on Facebook and are shocked that I am not constantly aware of what is happening there. It is a different world.
Don't get me wrong, I love technology. We live in an exciting time full of possibilities others could only dream of. My productivity is greatly enhanced by the ease and accessibility of my iPad and computers and I find great pleasure in reading ebooks on my reader. I just recognize that there are times it is good to unplug.
As the effects of a busy Easter season, vacation, and a myriad of work and family obligations made there impact on my life, it became obvious that I needed time, time away from busyness to refresh and offer my best to my family and the ministry. I chose to unplug and seek some renewal. I thank all you, my followers, for your patience during this season. My family and church thank you too. As a result of the time away, I feel more energized in my relationships, my ministry and my writing. I look forward to sharing this experience with you.
As I return to my regular posts, let me encourage you to be attentive to you time and the rhythms of your life as well. don't be afraid to step away from the computer, turn off the cell phone, or even leave your email in the inbox for a bit while you enjoy time with family, friends and God. Technology blesses our lives, but it does not own them and sometimes an electronic fast can do you good.
I remember when there was no instant messaging, texting, or email. It was a time when a letter could arrive on my desk, sit for a day or two before a read it, be mailed by the end of the week and I was considered prompt. Now, I occasionally get phone calls in the early afternoon wondering why I did not respond to the email sent to me at 11:00 a.m. that morning. People with crises message me on Facebook and are shocked that I am not constantly aware of what is happening there. It is a different world.
Don't get me wrong, I love technology. We live in an exciting time full of possibilities others could only dream of. My productivity is greatly enhanced by the ease and accessibility of my iPad and computers and I find great pleasure in reading ebooks on my reader. I just recognize that there are times it is good to unplug.
As the effects of a busy Easter season, vacation, and a myriad of work and family obligations made there impact on my life, it became obvious that I needed time, time away from busyness to refresh and offer my best to my family and the ministry. I chose to unplug and seek some renewal. I thank all you, my followers, for your patience during this season. My family and church thank you too. As a result of the time away, I feel more energized in my relationships, my ministry and my writing. I look forward to sharing this experience with you.
As I return to my regular posts, let me encourage you to be attentive to you time and the rhythms of your life as well. don't be afraid to step away from the computer, turn off the cell phone, or even leave your email in the inbox for a bit while you enjoy time with family, friends and God. Technology blesses our lives, but it does not own them and sometimes an electronic fast can do you good.
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