SACRED SPACES

I am working out a theory: To enter into the deepest place of pain in others is to enter one of the most sacred spaces possible.

When someone trusts you so much as to allow you to look into the open wounds of their heart, it draws out of you a response of quietness, respect and gentleness. You recognize the need to tread softly, to be unhurried and to accept the mystery. And suddenly, you are aware that God is there.

Surely [God] took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.
~ Isaiah 53:4 ~

HEALING THE WORLD

Even though I'm an 80's kid, I've never been a follower of Michael Jackson or his music. But something prompted me to log in to CNN to watch the public memorial service this morning. I caught the tail end of the extravaganza. What moved me most was that I was watching the impact that one artist had on the lives of millions of people.

I was affirmed in my belief that the arts has a powerful role to play in connecting to people's souls. The arts, be it music, dance, film, theatre or visual art, carry within them the potential to bring healing to the deepest parts of a person. Watching Usher sing "Gone Too Soon" was an example of how a song could communicate so much more deeply what was being felt.

Art gives the soul a voice and the vocabulary to express itself. In our busy, noisy lives today, the soul's voice is often lost, forgotten or even unwelcome. The arts provide a safe place for the soul to emerge.

I don't know what the Lord has in mind for me, but I know He made me an artist for a reason. My hope is that I would be able to honour Him with what I've got.

"I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired..."
~Psalm 77:5-6~

WHAT DO I OFFER HIM?

Last Sunday, Tim and I went to our church's evening service, which is a little more "off the beaten track" than the morning ones. As the offering baskets were going around, Tim and I couldn't help but smile when the basket that passed our hands contained the usual envelopes and one big shiny granny smith apple. What a concept! To offer God not only our money, but our other goods as well, right there in church.

"And everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting."

~Exodus 35:21~

A NONDESCRIPT YET SIGNIFICANT DAY

Today marks the one year anniversary of my move to Vancouver. Coming to a point of calling this "home" has been a slow one. But I think that out of all the places in the world that I have been, I'm happy that God brought me here to sink my roots. I still can't get over the fact that beautiful beaches, amazing mountains and the USA are all about a half hour drive away. And our apartment is now such a place of rest - and a mini art gallery to boot! The community God has surrounded me with here has been both a delight and a suprise. I've had to remind myself to be open to new friendships - God can work through new friends as much as He has worked through old friends in the past!

This morning, I imagined God as a gardener, carefully tending to His plants, picking off the brown parts, making sure the soil is moist enough and always, always, being ever-attentive to their growth. As I think about this past year and the incredible amount of progress I've had, I can see His smiling face, eyes twinkling, pleased with what He's done.

"...my Father is the gardener."

~ John 15:1b ~