Friday Art Reflection - Ignored Beauty
This week my good friend Dana Ames drew my attention to a very interesting article (via ysmarko) about an experiment done for the Washington Post. Read it here. Reading the whole article is worth it, but it is quite long and for those who don't have the time, watch the video (below) before reading on. Go on, I'll wait.
When I consider the fast pace of our lives coupled with the increasing disinterest and ignorance of art and beauty, I was not all that surprised by the outcome of this experiment. Saddened, but not surprised. After all, in my inner city neighbourhood, the 7-11 plays opera from the New York Met to discourage loitering. And, well, it works (except with me).
In case we comfort ourselves as Christians by keeping this sad realization in the easy framework of "the larger culture", it is also true within the Christian community, perhaps even more so. How often do we rush around, pursuing admirable missional purposes, failing to see the beauty all around us? We all do it and we all have good "reasons" for it. This should change.
Over the last few days I spent some time in the backyard, tending to the plants, listening to birds (I usually do yard work with my iPod listening to N.T. Wright) and reflecting on the beauty of Creation. I realized that if I love this beauty, I must protect it, nurture it and articulate the inarticulate praise to the Creator with that beauty.
So what are you going to do to change it? Be tangible, specific and do it within this week, but decide on something(s) and follow through. Let me know how it goes!
I'm going to give your challenge some thought. get back to you.
Thanks. (Comment this)
Great. I look forward to hearing how it goes.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)