I am reminded of the sacred when I experience art, in all of its many forms. Paintings, dance, and music (just to name a few) evoke the unspoken. There are some aspects that our language cannot contain. Since we cannot speak them, we must be open to the experience. I find this speaks so loudly through the arts. My whole being is altered when art holds space for the sacred. Dance carries us through a moment we would have missed otherwise. Music helps to transform a moment and carry us to a different place and time. Yet, we don’t often think of it this way. Paintings are just paintings – paint on canvas. Dance is just a movement of the body. Music is just a compilation of different notes to make something that sounds good (or not). But together, these are works of creation. It is our effort to be more like our Creator – taking something from nothing. It can beautiful and remarkable.
You may not be the ‘art’ type – but I want to challenge you. You don’t need to be the artist type to experience God through creation. You don’t need to have a keen eye, an attentive ear, or any special training. You only need to pay attention. It only takes a moment of your time – but can transform your day.
I had a special experience with art not long ago. I will say that I love and appreciate all different forms of art. But I also have no special talents. I am not particularly good at any of it. I wasn’t sure what to think when the leader of our devotion time gave us pastels and paper. On one hand, it looked fun. On the other hand, if there were any expectations, I would be out. The leader (my friend Stephanie – who is extremely talented and so very kind) invited us into a time of just creating as she spoke. It was a moment that helped me to relax and just enjoy. It was valuable to help me to hear the Creator and experience a joyful time through art. I was hooked. And I was changed.
Today, maybe spend some time listening to God through different ways than you may have otherwise considered. Pick up some crayons and color as you listen to music. Just be open to God speaking through ways that language cannot contain. And may you be changed.
Focus Scripture:
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 