 |
Fire and Water
©2019 Ruth Borges
36”x36” acrylic on canvas |
One of my favorite color combos to paint with are red, red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow, blue, blue-green, green. I like the energy of its summer vibe contrasting cool and warm colors. I painted the orange and yellow tones first and left it at that for months. I enjoyed the glowing warmth and vibrancy, maybe because I associate those colors with sunsets, which I love so much. But after a while the painting seemed to be asking for other colors. I started with teal, then added blue, then green. Soon, light and medium magenta joined the rhythmic colorful combo and, some days later, my heart and mind agreed it was done. I find this piece both exciting and soothing. I titled it "Summer Vibes" as it reminded me of summer, my favorite season. Its long days meant extra time for a nice late afternoon stroll by the beach to enjoy the sunset with friends, or a time of comforting solitude with God. Years later, after going deeper in the study of God's word, I sensed the painting was also about the Holy Spirit's fire and the living water that flows from hearts indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Yet, I decided to change the title of the painting to only “Fire and Water".
Abstract art allows room for multiple interpretations. Together, one might think of them as segments or chapters in a book. For instance, I could fill a whole chapter with memories from a summer season of unforgettable experiences that would come to mind when I visit this color combo. Recalling the sun, the beach, the music, and food may flood my mind with thoughts and emotions of fun times shared with friends and family. In another chapter, I could write about living waters flowing from within when I served and fellowshipped in trusting obedience led by the Spirit. Another chapter would easily cover how the Holy Spirit’s fire convicted me of things I needed to deal with, and of His exceedingly patient work in my heart. Then a chapter on the fire of adversity, with trials and challenges I thought would consume me, yet I chose instead to believe God's promise in Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, I will be with you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flames shall not consume you." I think it would prompt memories of God's faithfulness and perfect timing during seasons of overwhelming uncertainty like the Pandemic of 2020. That year found me wrestling with thoughts like, how long was that awful shutdown going to last? What would life be like after these dreadful events? When would things go back to normal? Leaning on verses like Isaiah 43:2, among many others, gave me strength to get through it all, even if that meant going back to them time after time to remind myself of God’s faithfulness.
How could all these thoughts mentioned in the above scenarios be stirred by a single painting? Like a song, a fragrance, flavors, or a certain melody, a painting is an open door inviting us to reflect. In each of the above interpretations, both fire and water are actively flowing. Allow yourself some space now to slow down, look again at this post's painting and then read the title. What thoughts or memories come to mind? On the spot, what would you say it means to you at this moment? A abstracted visual expression suggesting a blazing hot desert mingling with cool refreshing waters from an oasis in the middle of nowhere? A square choreographed in flowing brushstrokes and vibrant complimentary colors? What’s the first thing that comes to mind? Did the last two possible interpretations trigger other ones? Think of the conversations it might generate if you were viewing the painting with a friend and sharing your take on what you see. In the process, you may get to know each other better, think outside the box on other possible interpretations, then later realize you both feel hungry and thirsty for a slice of fresh hot pizza and a frosty mug of ice cold root beer. You reach for your mobile phone to yelp the best restaurant nearby, go there and chat for hours. You hear each other’s stories and find you have some challenges and victories in common. From it, insightful advice and encouragement spark new ideas, hope and motivation. A genuine one-another ministry moment has unfolded. God’s love made complete. All that prompted by exchanging views on a single non-objective painting? Yes. One of many ways God brings people together.
So… to find nearby restaurants that serve the best satisfying food for your tummy, use the Yelp app. To find the very best food to satisfy your soul, go to your nearest Bible and, with a sincere heart, find out all you can about God’s undying love for you. Be amazed. Stand in awe. You’ll never be the same. Version You.3 will emerge flowing with living water springing from within by the power of His Spirit. But hurry, don’t wait! Act now. Angels are standing by, waiting to rejoice in celebration. Hmm… sounds like a commercial! But it's actually good news. The best.
You will seek me and find me
when you seek me with all of your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Comments
Post a Comment