Thought for The Day - Perspectives

Standing at the canvas, a small brush in hand, a world opens, horizons expand and I see life from a completely different perspective. It is good to be kind, a life lived in obedience to God's word is a vital life. But being obedient to the gift of expression He has placed in me, there is nothing more fulfilling and glorifying!

Thought for The Day - Skewed Vision

Of the Beholder 18 x 24 pastels

When my daughter went off to college, years ago, shortly before her winter break, she noticed a problem with her right eye. Initially, when she described it, I thought she may have had an infection or she kept a contact in too long and it was ripped. She said it looked like a black line running vertically along the corner of her vision. We were very concerned and wanted to put her on a plane right away! This was her first year away from us and while I was okay with that part, the "father" in me (protector, provider) wanted her back home ASAP! She assured us she was able to see well enough to complete her semester and would be home before Christmas. Hoping it was an easy fix, we took her to a specialist who told us this was a rare occurrence for a teenager and typically only occurs in the senior years. She had surgery and had to spend the majority of Christmas break lying in bed. And of course, as a parent, I thought of all the implications this injury could cause down the road. It was so bad, the doctors said if healing took longer than expected, she couldn't fly back to school. Believe me, we were in full parent mode!

It is the job of parents and "wiser adults" to guide youth. Sure teens "know more than we do," at least they like to think they do. They think we were in school when man first discovered fire, but we know we started school shortly after that! (smile) But there is a problem with trying to protect and nurture your child when you try to guide them toward "safe careers." As teens and young adults, unless we choose a career like an accountant, teacher (in some cases) or doctor, we are told to consider a different minor or, as I was told: "Plan B." I remember when this was said to me, I heard it often and begin to question my abilities and my dreams. Did I really have the skills and aptitude to be an artist? Could I compete with the other artists?

When I entered high school and college, the art teachers loved me! They loved my ability and encouraged me to expand my capabilities. But I could hear my original guides, my mom and dad saying "don't put all your eggs in one basket." What I really heard was "the world is difficult and you should choose the easiest route through life as possible." I also heard: "you're work is okay but I don't think it's good enough to compete with everyone else." Amazing how, the introduction of plan b, became my ONLY plan. Oh, I didn't roll over quite that easily, I graduated from college, B.A. of Fine Arts, but by senior year, I was sure I wouldn't be able to use my diploma as anything more than a wall hanging.

By the time my children begin to fill my days and go to school, I was entrenched up to my neck in Plan B living. As such, I was determined to allow them to bend in the direction they deemed best. I would steer, but not control. Guide, but not manipulate and force them to see life through my disappointments. It's always my hope, as they grow, that their vision remains clear and they find the guide God placed in them, guides them TRULY! Certainly, I hurt when they do, I hate it when my children are in pain of any kind, but it is far better to experience pain in your efforts to manifest the life you've always dreamed of.

Thought for The Day - A Liberal Dose

Expectation 24 x 36 Oil

...Of Encouragement!

Sorely needed, but spread out over long periods of struggle and perseverance. There are times - I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way - where it seems the help you need doesn't arrive "on time." You and I have a time table, usually more urgent than our circumstances dictate and when that help doesn't come by that due date, we feel disappointed. But a lesson learned and repeated often: continue functioning as if you have other priorities and as sure as a new day arrives, an answer to your dilemma comes as well.

Liberal doses of encouragement, when they come, change the landscape of your days. If you've spent the last few weeks in cloudy and foggy days, let a few well placed compliments, a dash of a reminder about your dreams and plans flash across your brain. You will be surprised how that cancels out the sense of loss and despair. Of course, if we had it our way, the encouragement would never end. But another lesson learned: few of us live our lives on the mountain-top. We live our lives in the valleys and plains. Meaning, we have to struggle, there will be loss and disappointments. Even when you've received "a blessing," following closely on its heels, comes an unexpected turn of events. But keep your head up and keep pushing forward. The race is not over!

Thought for The Day - Measured in Steps

Linen with a swirl 24 x 30 Oils

Sometimes, you can't see how far you've come from seeing where you want to go!

Pure grit and determination...that's how you see your energy and exertion. And yet, for all you doing, the trail behind you, the rearview mirror glance, reveals your progress is small. And the road ahead? That view remains unchanged! But that desire, the destination is a mirage in your head and seeing with your eyes, well that will have to wait. You only have today. There is only NOW.

Fix your gaze, not on what is immediately in view, but upon what lies beneath. The vision that caught your attention so long ago. Each step and each time you fall, moves you forward. And each step, each bruise, cut and scar is evidence that you are making a solid path to your goal.

Go, if only a few steps today, tomorrow will find you further than you were one, two or a thousand days ago!

Thought for The Day - Prosperity

Sketch for Predawn Light (in process) 18 x 24 charcoal

Names, titles, descriptions, they are a funny thing. A word can be used so often and in a particular way, that  the mentioning of it generates a "group think" vision. Like the word today, "prosperity." Mention it in most circles and especially Christian circles and immediately, we think of a pocket full of money, cars, large homes and full closets. But what about prosperity among the middle class or the working class? Can it exist there as well?

Since childhood, I have lived in a house with full cabinets and well stocked refrigerators. Even when "times were tight" for my wife and I, there is always plenty of food to eat. I have always had a change of clothes and a car to drive. And yet, so very often I consider what I don't have and I get sad. Not only do I get sad, I get to praying for more. But as it is, I consider what I have as well and while that doesn't cause me to pause and be thankful each time, it does take the edge off my complaining. In truth, while we have, we are always in search of "more" or "different."

The word prosperity, when applied to my situation and probably the lives of nearly everyone reading this, fits our lives. It isn't a matter of what you lack but what you have. Certainly, many would rather have bank accounts with near unlimited money; I don't know about you, but the thought of having more money, immediately brings up the things I would "trade" my money to buy! I don't stop at the thought of having money, but I think of buying and spending and filling up a house with stuff. I imagine a life of full days and luxurious vacations. But in the best sense, I have all I need N-O-W! I might want an abundance of rest, but I have this uncanny ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat! I can sit in a waiting room full of people and if I'm tired, doze off in heartbeat! So do I need more rest or to manage better what I have 'at hand?'

Perhaps stress comes because we are always focused on what we don't have, what our lives aren't. What if we focused on the blessings in our hand, on our shoulders and on the plate in front of us? Would we come to realize we are prosperous?

Peace

Be