Today’s Scripture: John 14:1-4
3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." (NRSV)
For today’s devotion, you are invited to contemplate an artwork in progress entitled “Moving On” created by River Road Church member Beth Stuhlman. The pieces are a triptych of 6×6 canvas acrylic mixed media. Click on an image to bring up a larger view. Spend time with the images, note what you see in them, and then scroll down to read a few words from the artist about the pieces.
Image #1
Image #2
Image #3
Notes from the artist:
I’ve attached a piece that I’ve worked on while my uncle has been in hospice. He’s afraid to die, though his kidneys are failing. This piece reflects my sense of leaning out from this life into the next. One image shows a male figure with baggage making his way in; the other, a couple relying on each other’s strength on faith to move forward. The last has no figure in it yet.
I’m in that part of the mourning process that questions, “Where do we go from here, and, as believers, how do we get there?”
The rising wave is an angel wing overcoming the old soul as it travels up and into the loving, all-consuming light of the God force. So much of passing from here to there is unknown to us, and God allows for that by enveloping us up in familiar light and color that transcends our here and now, introducing us to our new place with new color, new sounds, new life — the Almighty rest, tucked under the powerful wings.
Enjoyed this! Thanks!
Beth,
Thanks for sharing this insightful work. Artists are graced with the gift of muse, whispers from the Holy Spirit. So often we only apply that nudge in static forms of the now. You have instead painted a poem that lives. Thank you.
Beth,
Having gone through the tragic and unexpected deaths of my father, mother, two sisters and my oldest step-son, all within a short span, I can truly tell you that this gift you have given us, has given me an added strength that I cannot measure. Not only your powerful art but your words as well have comforted me in ways other therapy has not. I will see ocean waves from now on in even more wondrous ways. Thank you.
Beth,
So sorry for your grief in losing your uncle. I hope you can help him find the peace your art and words give to many. Your last paragraph is a beautiful description of experiencing death which is comforting. Thank you for this sharing.