-”you can’t really know something until you’ve seen it transformed by change. You must see it in all the angles of light and shadow provided for by time. You must see it in wind and in rain, under a blanket of snow, in the gentle light of spring, in the hazy heat of late summer, in the crisp cool of an autumn day. You must witness it in twilight and at sunrise, in thunderstorms and under the light of the moon and stars. Only then do you get a glimpse of the spirit lurking underneath. Only then do you begin to understand it.”-Andy Goldsworthy, artist as quoted by Danielle on her blog The Teacup Chronicles.
This quote has captivated my musing for several days now. What a great observation of life. I must ask the question if I love with change in view? Do I have the vision to see someone in a winter season, full of spring blossoms, and laden in the summer sun with fruit abundant? Do I steady my heart gaze through long winter days of drought and dreary moments knowing that love conquers death? Have I seen myself this way? Do I believe in the faithfulness of my Maker, to shepherd me to new seasons?
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Our Lord has an expectation of future and hope for his Beloved. As his friends we must ask ourselves if we “see” those in our care? Do we watch expectantly for the first blooms combing the branches of the heart with gentle hands waiting for the promise of spring, or are we quick with the pruning shears lopping off relationships we are sure are dead only to mourn the blossoming branch laying on the ground withering, and separated from our life? I desire to have this kind of vision that sees woody, leafless branches in the grey of winter and can smell the fragrance of fruit.
Oh Lord. Help me to keep my pruning hook in the shed. You are the Master Gardener, you decide the shape of my life, mine is to receive, and give the life you have given me. Open my eyes Lord. I want to see you at work in the Earth of my feet, the Earth of my hands, and the Earth of my heart.
Shared with Seedlings in Stone.
