Sunday, I decided to attend a local Quaker First Day meeting, something I have been wanting to do for awhile. This is the week I gave my shy self a push to "just do it". The members were welcoming and kind, making sure I felt comfortable among them. The experience of quiet reflection and prayer, with a few thoughts offered by participants, was meaningful and lovely. I felt renewed and refreshed.The group meets in the library of a local private school with a truly beautiful campus. I had brought a camera in case I wanted to go hunting for painting subjects after the meeting and was glad I had. A calm stroll all by myself continued the meditative gratitude and peace I felt after worship. Behind a small building labeled "Latin", a feeder stream to the St. Johns River flowed by. The bright sunshine on spring-green leaves, the chorus of bird-song, the tree shadows on the grass, the caress of a warm breeze--the entire morning was a gift.
Question of the day: What recent experience has refreshed your spirit?
Posts
It's good to *just do it*!! Glad you enjoyed yourself!!
ReplyDeleteI went for a walk not too long ago along the I&M Canal trail in Channahon. I'd say that was probably the last spiritual refreshing I've had. Had I lived near you, Mary, I'd have asked to go along. That whole experience, the day, just sounds fabulous. Gorgeous photos, as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Manon. Your comments are "right on", as always.
ReplyDeleteSherry, I would have loved to spend that morning with you! A benefit of blogging, making friends in many places, is also a drawback in that all those fascinating friends, like you and Manon, are too far away to spend time with.. It's good to hear about your refreshing walk--hope you have another like it soon.
Hi Mary, I had a wake-up call recently. Having neglected my Bible reading, I suddenly rediscovered many great truths because I was invited to take part in an exhibition with works linked to the Bible. I found boats and fish and lilies and rocks and mountains among my paintings. Then went through my Bible and looked up everything I have underlined in the past.
ReplyDeleteA year ago we went with some friends who introduced us and we spent a day in a Hutterite community in southern Minnesota. They are the smallest of the Anabaptist groups (Mennonites & Amish being the others) They are communal but are involved in manufacturing using computer technology as well as mechanics and farming. I was hugely impressed with their grace and friendliness. It's not for everyone though as individual freedom is quite limited compared to what we are used to.....
ReplyDeleteJust looking at the images I can imagine what a calming effect it had.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is getting married this July , and to add a personal touch I decided to do a painting for her. A floral worked with acrylics I'm almost half done . Being involved with digital art I haven't worked with a brush for over a year now ;however every time I look at this painting it gives me a good feeling , am trying my best and I hope she will like it.
Thank you all for your fascinating reflections-I love the response this post has generated!
ReplyDeleteMarie, what an interesting route you took back to spiritual roots! I wish I could have seen that exhibition--especially your lovely paintings in it. It's such an creative idea for a theme. If you are like me, you may have found that passages you underlined in the past still resonate with meaning for you.
You are fortunate to have friends who could introduce you in the Hutterite community, TB. You likely had a more in depth experience there than is available to the average visitor to their area. I have heard of that community, but don't know much about it. I will come to your blog again soon to see if you have written about the visit.
Great to hear from you, Sadia! Congratulations on the upcoming marriage of your daughter. Creating a special painting as a personal gift is a terrific idea, and I am sure the couple will just love it. Glad to hear that you have a good feeling about the work as you paint.
It is good for you to go "out of the box" and do something totally different. It can open up so many new doors that you didn't even know were out there!! Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Lisa! Thank you for your visit, your sweet positive personality, and your encouragement.
ReplyDelete