Discovering old special books….

Tonight, in one of my dusty boxes, I found a book which was one of Francis Shaeffer’s-from his library called “Art and the bible”. I studied with his daughter years ago in Switzerland, and she lent me this book.

It still has some of his underlinings in it. How special is that. A father’s book, you weren’t sure you still had. Re-discovered, unexpectedly. Thankful for the continuum of discoveries in this life!

Plus, despite the poor design of the cover, which is unfortunately typical in most christian culture, the book has spiritual seeds which far outlasted Dr Shaeffer.

Lots about the bible as art, and freedom to create, and be creative, since we were made in the image of God, and not having to justify our creativity in religious terms, or even make overtly religious art. Instead, to make authentic valid art and life was, on its own, a way of honoring God! “The act of creativity is priestly in itself, no need to use art to talk about God, rather you are free to live in God, and make what you will before Him!”

Also a nice seed about The Lordship of Christ over every area of life including the arts. Lots of permission to live and celebrate being fully human is also implied in the book.

Not a flashy book, but spiritually potent. Means a lot to me that i still have it. I have so many treasures from the years, born from encounters with so many remarkable people. I am blessed to have had father’s words passed on into my heart and soul.

Some books come and go, but that one stuck.

 Thankful when people take the time to name what they have learned, and pass it on to the next generation!

It’s like the sound of a train whistle or a distant fog horn at night—something which came before you, which keeps on passing through time. The elder’s gifts keep giving far past their lives on earth.

Most people are focused on the now, but I’m growing fond of the past present and future on this passover.

Still thankful that I’ve gotten to meet most of my favorite artist and teachers in my life. What a gift. Hope I can scatter some of their seeds while here, like my distant cousin Johnny Appleseed did. And find and be, the good soil.