Simplicity

In pondering the sights we saw in and around this famous church in Rome, a friend noted that it seems rather far from "the simplicity that is in Christ" (II Cor. 11:3).  It seems we have a tendency to add embellishments and adornments to the gospel.

As one who enjoys and works with church architecture, I can appreciate the art and creativity in a variety of expressions.  But I'm often taken back to the admonition in Isaiah 66:

"Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."

Cut and Paste

I've been to DC often but it wasn't until we visited Rome last fall that I could appreciate the extent to which certain architecture had been "borrowed".  In the case of the National Gallery of Art, you might say "cut and pasted".  All the way down to the lower ceiling height on the front porch which we were told in Rome was due to a column fabrication error.

We feel a certain safety in building on what's already been done and there can be great wisdom in that.  But I wonder if the degree to which Microsoft has made the cut (or copy) and paste function so easy hasn't also shut down our ability to question whether those patterns can really be "pasted" into the current situation without thought.

"The children of Issachar....had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." (I Chr 12:32)

Perspective

If this was the only impression you'd ever had of these familiar landmarks, what do you suppose your opinion would be about their proximity to each other?  Would you affirm strenuously that they were close neighbors?  Perhaps argue forcefully if someone suggested a two-mile distance between their extremes?

Often a simple change of perspective, perhaps offered by another whose view of the same thing is from a little different angle than ours, can fill out detail that we never imagined.  We should probably ask for that kind of help more often than we do.  Or at least temper our responses to each other against the very real possibility that our vision just might be limited.

"In the multitude of counsellors there is safety." (Prov. 11:14)

DC

I guess it's no secret that I love visiting our nation's capital.  This past weekend we had the opportunity to take our turn there for minister rotation at our DC church.  We had heard that the mild winter might have moved up the cherry blossom schedule but that didn't quite pan out.  The magnolias were a pretty good stand-in, don't you think?

In the Shadow

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)

In my simple thinking, it seems fairly straight forward.  We are saved by grace through faith, not of works because we would boast.  Getting "works" ahead of faith has troubled many a soul in meaningless religion, spiritual pride, anxious striving, depression, and fearfulness.

Yet shouting "legalism" anytime mention is made of sanctified living and good works is as grievous an error in my view -- the strident language itself seems to take on a "legalistic" tone as angry exchanges about theological purity and smug certainty pollute the very cause they espouse.

Paul simply asks, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  I love how this flower just blooms for its Makers glory in the shadow of the Cross.  Can there be any other response than fruitfulness to the great and complete sacrifice made there for you and me?

(Image taken in Itea, Greece -- Oct. 2011)

Think Spring II

It's coming!  This year we could hardly complain about winter.  Yet the anticipation of springtime is tangible as we experience more and more warm and sunny days.

"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Gen. 8:22)

On the Wheel

"Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it."
(Jer. 18:3-4)

This particular wheel has seen many beautiful works, wrought by a good friend of mine.  But I was struck in reviewing this image by how the light illuminated the empty wheel; evoking a seemingly wistful longing for the clay. A longing for the work to spin.  So that even if the potter should need to mar the work and start over it might be formed into a good vessel.

Are you on the wheel?  Am I?

Coliseum

You stand outside the Roman Coliseum and imagine the crowds jostling to get inside.  Inside you gaze at the playing field, mostly gone now, trying to imagine the gladiators, the spectators...the lions.  No doubt they cheered, they shouted, some gloried in the outcome, some were let down, some were horrified, some came just to be with those who were interested, or because it was the thing to do, and so on...

This past Sunday over a third of all Americans sat down and watched a game "together".  They cheered, they shouted...

You tell me; any difference?

(Yes, I know, no one gets killed...usually.)

When I Look Down

No, this was not from "lofty mountain's grandeur" but it was from one of my favorite perches.  From where it's a little easier to imagine God's view of this earth.  Filled not with "huddled masses" but with individual people, each known by their Creator.  Each pinpoint of light a dwelling with people, families, places; none trivial.  None expendable.  Shining so bright even the clouds are illuminated from beneath.

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
(II Chr. 16:9)

Use Your Head

I've pondered what title to use for this shot of the Erechtheion porch atop the Acropolis and all I could ever come up with is the one shown.  For some reason which I won't try to remember, these women (the Caryatids) are holding up the canopy with their heads.  Quite the engineering feat, actually, to render such a detailed and beautiful yet structurally sound support.

Thinking of using one's head brings to mind the old "Ready-Aim-Fire" sequence.  It seems a lack of thought often leads to "Fire-Ready-Aim" or at best "Ready-Fire-Aim".  On the other hand, over-thinking or analysis-paralysis ends up being "Ready-Aim-Aim-Aim..." Some good extremes to avoid, I think.