It is always there. As life lies before us, it lurks. The thing that we fear the most, the unknown that comes when all is over. Death is waiting there to crush us. It is our fear that gives it power. The fear that its shadow will fall on us and crush us, that it can destroy us and make us insignificant.
When I was younger, I had the mistaken impression that death and I had no real relationship. Mortality was not an issue to be considered. I was strong, healthy and devoid of any threat to tomorrow. I am much older and although I am still fairly vital and vigorous, I am more aware now of how vulnerable I am. Age may not have provided me with wisdom but it has made me far more willing to entertain thoughts as to my proximity to death. I will not have as many years before me as there are behind me.
How have I survived so long? Why have I been spared? The Vietnam war, though not a declared one, took so many men my age. Foolishness and self-indulgence along the way allowed others to be harvested, but not me. I have been foolhardy and certainly I have given in to selfish desires that should have claimed my life but did not. There is no logical reason for me to still be here, but I am. Why?
In the painting I am offering today you will find some evidence as to my thinking on the subject of my survival. Like everyone else I inhabit a space in the shadow if death. Like everyone else I am offered choices in my daily life that could do me in. However, something is protecting me. There is a reason, a purpose in my longevity. Oddly, in spite of all that could permanently end my existence on this earthly plane, there seems to be more than my mortal morality that is sheltering me. This painting is my effort to share some of my conclusions as to why.
Life as fragile as a decaying leaf exists in a world filled with the potential for pain and sadness at every turn. In this painting, I am that leaf, clustered with other souls that appear to be stronger and more resilient than me. Stones of varying sizes and shapes lying around the leaf represent others who all seem to be better equipped to withstand the onslaught of weathering life’s trials than I am.
On the far right, leaning as if to topple over and crush us all is an unstable bolder that represents sin. A beautiful but flawed stone, it has the power to seduce and destroy. It uses the laws of spiritual physics to pulverize all in its path. Those who represented by the dark blue gravel and damaged pebbles in its shadow are its victims. Those who have succumbed to sin are symbolized by the trapped, fallen aggregation being ground into the dust from whence they came. Sin, allowing Satan to separate us from the God who loves us is deadly.
Jesus is depicted by the large beautifully textured vertical stone standing defiantly as an alternate choice between us and sin and the damage it can do to us. His sacrifice provides a safe place for us from our frailty and faults. Gathered behind Him we are to assemble, worship and be grateful for his providence. The shadow may have fallen on Him but He still stands, resurrected and as powerful to save as ever. He is our hope and guide.
The Holy Spirit, the comforter is represented by the lichen encrusted green stone in the left bottom foreground, holding back the scree we are from sliding down the steeply sloped mountainside of life’s temptations. Life, abundant life is possible in the least likely of circumstances. Life growing on the surface of a soil free environment mirrors that no matter how afraid we are, there is always beautiful consolation available. Awareness of the influence of the Holy Spirit as support against sin’s destruction is there for the asking. There is absolutely no need to feel hopelessness.
The most important stone in this composition is the sheltering diagonal escarpment that conserves and sustains an environment where the endangered smaller stones can escape the ravages of daily wear. This stone is God the Father, creator of all. He loves the world He created and wants what is best for it even if it is not always aware of His presence and protection. In this painting I intend for those who view it to understand the power of His shelter. Providence is His gift should we be canny enough to accept it.
Where ever you are today heed the promise of Psalm 23.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;he leads me beside still waters;
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Fear is a thief trying to steal the peace that comes from knowledge of the triune God. You can survive and prosper even in the valley of the shadow.
The world is a cruel, hard place and its trials are many.
Art and Thoughts On It 