Photo by Carol Aichele
“Only one life, yes only one, soon will its fleeting hours be done”
A friend of mine paints Plein Aire fine art with oils. This French expression means “in plain air” which describes the outdoor setting from which the artist paints. When on location, Carol sets up her easel, dons her apron, and studies the scene. Taking in a deep breath of fresh air, she dips her brush and softly begins outlining the composition. Compared to an image painted from a photo, Carol’s certain her Plein Aire paintings portray the essence of the setting more accurately. “In nature, I see and feel my subject more vividly. The changing light gives the painting more dimension. Even the subtle wisps of mist come alive on my canvas.”
I love how artists appreciate an image. If you enjoy taking pictures, then you too are a fan of something. One year, while on a wintery vacation, our family played a simple photo contest with our phones. We captured stunning and silly photos with the hope of being awarded the best shot. I can still remember my favorite pictures as if our vacation was yesterday.
Photos, home movies, and diaries all help us value the moment and keep our memories alive. I remember when the kids were little, and a camera wasn’t close, I would take a mental picture in my minds-eye, hoping to impress the memory in my heart. What if we savored our lives, and relished every part like an artist does of the scene they paint?
As a person of faith, I also take pleasure in pondering God’s word and enjoying His presence. I’m intrigued by the ancient stories told in the Bible. Many years ago, on a dark and starry night, God used the magnificent sky to illustrate his promise to Abram. With no light pollution to dim his view, masses of stars saturated the expansive sky. I wish I could have heard God’s warm, low voice nudge him, “Look toward heaven, Abram, count the stars if you can.” I imagine Abram, eager to try, became lost in the challenge, mesmerized as the stars shrank deeper and deeper into the distance. Children, more numerous than the stars? Oh, the thought of it! The sky, and now his heart, beautifully resounded with God’s promise.
Nature, life, and the promises of God are all worth savoring. It’s good for our souls.
What if we let go of our busy thoughts and enjoyed the moment? We could become fully present in a conversation, savor a delicious meal, smell the rich aroma of coffee, and soak in the beauty of earth’s natural wonders? What if we paused to listen to a child’s laughter, look for the whimsical, and ponder the sacred?
Oh, life, don’t pass me by, I only hold you for a moment.