August 14, 2013

             I was about two years old when my dog died.  My Mom, trying to find some explanation, pointed upwards and said “Tippy” had gone to be with “Him”.  So, in my young mind, I perceived that “He” must be a telephone pole.  At least they are shaped like crosses, so the impression in my young mind was not too far off.

            Growing up we always went to church.  I believe I was about three when I heard the news Brother Brantley had died.  Brother Brantley was our pastor, so I told my mom I was very sad to hear that God was dead.  Somehow, I had not quite gotten the idea yet of who “He” was, yet.  I do remember standing at Grandma’s country kitchen window helping with dishes when she would tell me about Him and about Heaven.  You never know when the seed you sow into a child will take root, but I believe for me it was probably there in Grandma’s kitchen that things began to click.  Heaven sounded really nice to me.  She would play at her old out of tune upright piano and sing songs like “Blessed Assurance” and “How Great Thou Art”.  It was not the quality of the music, but rather the soaring of the spirit that captured my young heart, and to this day I find some of my greatest revelations occur in my kitchen.

            Gravity is a force that attracts objects of matter to one another.  Since we are physical beings, there is a natural gravitation toward physical things.  Since we are spiritual beings there are other forces trying to win over our attraction.  When God’s forces are prevailing in the battle, even then we often gravitate toward carving some image of Him, something of matter we can touch, feel, see.  Being a creative person, I naturally find myself trying to render something of a picture, a writing, a song to portray Something, Someone who surpasses all media.  And, they all somehow meld together in my mind, the words, the songs, the colors, the light, even the smells and tastes are all woven together by something inexpressible and full of glory.  In these attempts, I have failed miserably if my work is perceived as an end rather than a means.  However, the means of creativity can have a profound effect and even do a deep work on both artist and audience.  The creative process itself is extraordinary.

            I’ve heard it taught and have read that the study of quantum physics reveals at the subatomic level that all matter is by far and away nothing:  Nothing but some force or energy that holds subatomic particles together.  Michigan State University’s website states:  “The development of quantum physics in this century represents the greatest success of both mankind's science and mankind's philosophy.”  At our core, we humans know that the most valuable resources on Earth are intangibles.  They are things like faith, hope and love.  I believe these intangibles are the very Energy that hold atoms and indeed the Universe together, because these intangibles are the essence of Him.  You see, God IS Love.   

            It is my prayer that in my work and beyond, far into eternity that you will find “Him” who is my soul’s delight
              That you will find “Him” of whom my soul sings
                             That you will find “Him” who is in and of Himself
  a very great reward.
                                I pray you will go far past the things about Him, and simply . . .
                                                                                                                                find Him. 

You will find Me when you seek Me with all of their heart. Jeremiah 29:13