The cypresses painting is one of my favorites--I fell in love when I stood before it and could not leave it, though my companions had walked on. It's bright hopeful colors and forms have been in my mind these last weeks as the Lord has planted the seeds of a new, beautiful dream that is too big for me, but fills me with delight. But your words about calling and that you chose that painting are of such encouragement, so I thank you!
Thanks, Karly! That painting holds me a place of delight. Something about the composition. The calling topic I’m finding is something more and more people are wanting to hear about and explore—from any age.
Thank you! This especially held my interest as art is my first love (hobby-wise). It was so inspiring to both echo the sentiments of my own heart in making my art (it is truly a gift: so use it for the One who gave it! And to bless the people who view it. :) ), but always a good reminder too, to re-examine anything in my heart that may have been tainted by the world's constant advice for success and influence. I just want to keep doing it for me, and keep doing it for God, and if He wants to take it anywhere, then He will!
This piece -- and particularly your encouragement at the end -- reminds me of John 14:27, when Jesus tells the disciples, "I do not give to you as the world gives." The world gives a tiny and miserable reward to us (which can feel really good at the time) when we go through all the effort of making statements about ourselves that other people notice, but the whole process just leaves us wanting more. What He gives, though, is peace, and that joy that comes when we are doing what we love "As unto the King."
Yes, I love these thoughts, Meredith. I find that it's really a perspective or mind or mentality shift for people. We've been told (and sold) for so long that you have to promote yourself if you want to find success, but this is simply not true. I was just reading a Substack post about a business writer who's newsletter exploded to almost three quarters of a million subscribers. He talks about how server others in his writing has been the key to his success. This is something I've been preaching for some time relating to personal calling. When we do what we're wired to do (as unto the king!)--and to your point--we find peace and so much joy. And the bonus is that it attacts others.
Oh my, Tim ... love this and the last statement is a doozy. Thank you.
"In your vocation, don’t try to make a statement about yourself. Make a statement about your joy in pursuing what you love. In so doing, you will serve your neighbor and draw them further and further into God’s weight of Glory."
Make a great meme ... a Willard quote.
Say hi to Sara H when you chat on Inst in the next day or so, Tim.
I always love to see people sharing the beauty of Vincent’s work, as unto the Lord, in the world. The tie-in with Lewis, double the delight! Have you read the book on Nouwen and Vincent?
The cypresses painting is one of my favorites--I fell in love when I stood before it and could not leave it, though my companions had walked on. It's bright hopeful colors and forms have been in my mind these last weeks as the Lord has planted the seeds of a new, beautiful dream that is too big for me, but fills me with delight. But your words about calling and that you chose that painting are of such encouragement, so I thank you!
Thanks, Karly! That painting holds me a place of delight. Something about the composition. The calling topic I’m finding is something more and more people are wanting to hear about and explore—from any age.
Mine too. ✨ my first novel came from a seed that was planted in my heart the first time I saw it in person. I never knew how it would change my life!
That's wonderful!
Have you ever heard Matthew Perryman Jones song, “O, Theo”? It’s a beautiful meditation on Van Gogh and what you’re writing about here!
Yes! I love that song (and album), Chase! Just turned it on! Thanks for the prompt! So so good! 🙌
❤️🔥🔥🔥
Thank you! This especially held my interest as art is my first love (hobby-wise). It was so inspiring to both echo the sentiments of my own heart in making my art (it is truly a gift: so use it for the One who gave it! And to bless the people who view it. :) ), but always a good reminder too, to re-examine anything in my heart that may have been tainted by the world's constant advice for success and influence. I just want to keep doing it for me, and keep doing it for God, and if He wants to take it anywhere, then He will!
This piece -- and particularly your encouragement at the end -- reminds me of John 14:27, when Jesus tells the disciples, "I do not give to you as the world gives." The world gives a tiny and miserable reward to us (which can feel really good at the time) when we go through all the effort of making statements about ourselves that other people notice, but the whole process just leaves us wanting more. What He gives, though, is peace, and that joy that comes when we are doing what we love "As unto the King."
Yes, I love these thoughts, Meredith. I find that it's really a perspective or mind or mentality shift for people. We've been told (and sold) for so long that you have to promote yourself if you want to find success, but this is simply not true. I was just reading a Substack post about a business writer who's newsletter exploded to almost three quarters of a million subscribers. He talks about how server others in his writing has been the key to his success. This is something I've been preaching for some time relating to personal calling. When we do what we're wired to do (as unto the king!)--and to your point--we find peace and so much joy. And the bonus is that it attacts others.
Oh my, Tim ... love this and the last statement is a doozy. Thank you.
"In your vocation, don’t try to make a statement about yourself. Make a statement about your joy in pursuing what you love. In so doing, you will serve your neighbor and draw them further and further into God’s weight of Glory."
Make a great meme ... a Willard quote.
Say hi to Sara H when you chat on Inst in the next day or so, Tim.
Grace & peace ...
I always love to see people sharing the beauty of Vincent’s work, as unto the Lord, in the world. The tie-in with Lewis, double the delight! Have you read the book on Nouwen and Vincent?
Ohhh, I have not read that book. What’s the title?
Learning from Henri Nouwen and Vincent van Gogh: A Portrait of the Compassionate Life
Thank you! 🙏
Yes, I needed to read this tonight. What a beautiful post.
Thank you, Mel. I'm grateful it ministered to you.