EVERYTHING MATTERS

EVERYTHING MATTERS

 Phyllis Fox Plum 

  (snowy brook photo)

There is so much to consider in a picture, a painting. No matter the subject matter, the artist presents everything for a purpose, using textures, angles, colors, lines, order or disorder. Pablo Picasso used abstractions that lead the viewer to consider the original, the base reality, what is already seen and known.  

A gaze upon a work-of-art begins a meditation, taking the viewer somewhere new, like visiting the unexplored, like asking questions never otherwise considered, like wondering about the universe, radio waves, how birds fly, etc. From different levels and positions in every culture throughout history, we view life using innate and fundamental principles, standards and expectations, we perceive what is real or fictional, the physical and spiritual, what is seen and unseen. Why? Because everything matters.

 (snowy brook photo goes here )

Take this photo for example, the rushing waters wash over the strewn rocks, giving sound to the brook as it passes, a pleasant refrain. The unmarked snow outlines the bubbling brook, covering edges like frosting, making everything look soft, clean and white -- beautiful -- but, the snow is also a cover-up. What is under the snow, under the water? Hidden? Snow doesn't last;  viewers think of strolling in the brook in a warm summer, finding the rocks to be either a nuisance, a slippery interference, or a challenge to be met, like trials. So goes our view of life.

The sun in the photo is either rising for new beginnings OR settling the day — one leads to activity, the other to slumber. Surely each morning sunrise of light is full of hope, knowing that ". . . everything exposed by the light becomes visible" (Ephesians 5: 13) to display the fullness of reality; God knows what is in the darkness, so do not fear because He watches over His Children (Daniel 2: 22; Psalm 14: 2). Everything matters in the light AND in the dark.

Like the bubbling brook, we move along, getting glimpses of our impact on what we think we know as time slips into every moment of each day, then passes. As we mediate on pictures and paintings, various thoughts stream into reflections of outcomes, changes, success, mistakes, the unexpected and what needs to improve or what might hide in the dark. We act on what we think we know, in how we love and serve -- everything matters. Why?  Because a legacy develops AND Heaven awaits.

We learn at the end of a trial or joyful event what really matters.  There is no smooth path along the way because as fallen creatures, no thought, word or deed is completely flawless, but from wisdom gained in experiences, we learn how to avoid the sharp and slippery rocks in the rumbling, tumbling brook-of-life, hopefully with the warm friendly sun at our back. We work at being prepared. What provisions give you protection, remove vulnerability, ensure peace and comfort? What matters most?

Either we see only the white snow and forget what is under it, or admit there is a lot hidden in life. Our thoughts, words and deeds require an examination of conscience (we ought not hide from ourselves) which is like an investigation, a careful observation of the self each day. How well do we follow that Baltimore Catechism lesson (#1- #5) that was taught before the 1960's, stating the purpose of why God made us:  to know, love and serve God in time in order to share everlasting happiness with Him in Heaven.

The brook invites participation in every season either in the view, in wading or while mediating which leads to growth. Quite unaware, learning is ongoing.  Our mind and senses absorb consciously and subconsciously. We mature in understanding. We filter through what we feel, hear, see, taste and touch in the environment. Next, we process and hopefully find the LORD God in everything that matters to fill the mind and heart. Actually all that exists matters to Him, so we honor and respect His Creation, especially one another.

No one lives alone (few hermits exist today). Interactions are inevitable. We create harmony or discord, maybe some progress or dissention in the marketplace, workplace, church or education halls -- in the world around us. Every morally-well-built generation says “I pray for the healing waters to flow into my nation” (Ezekiel 47:9). Let a good flood of grace wash over us all!

Picasso saw reality clearly, allowing him to make abstracts, a curious blending. Artists must know how to follow the rules of creating before they can break those rules to become unique. Getting a clear reality-picture requires vigilance and critical thinking first, followed with discernment, then action in good thoughts, words and deeds.   

A righteous character develops from perseverance. "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith, supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,  and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your  perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love."  (2 Peter 1: 5-7) The Way, the Truth and the Life, the Alpha and the Omega (John 14: 6; Revelation 1: 8) ) is what matters. The Lord is the center of everything.  

 (goldden brook surrounded by snow photo goes here) 

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