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!
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."
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!
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!
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."
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?
Yes, I needed to read this tonight. What a beautiful post.