"I’ll choose wonder over knowing any day": the definition of God, who is unknowable, and who can only be found in the not-knowing. Wonder encompasses all of it--the terror and the beauty. Awe-fulness, too. God is in you and you are in God and all of us are One, wrapped up in this together. When we create, we are re-created. There is no all-powerful being outside of us who can stop wars, hunger, pain. The only place to look is inside. Sometimes, I, too, need a reminder--but not on my palm, which is too imbued with Jesus for me. My reminder is forever in the faces of the people I love and who, somehow, love me back. And outside--always, always in the world outside, where the design of creation carries on, over and over again.
Creating art will not bring peace to the Middle East or stop global warming, but does sprinkle hope and belief on the world. That’s a wonderful thing, even if the art is not original or beautiful by objective standards. Hands and minds engaged in making art are not making the trouble that humans get into. And if even one person is heartened by the work, that’s a gift from the artist.
dies young.” Thank you, Rona, for bringing us this lovely meditation. You have the gift of taking us into your life and seating us, with Anne and Mary, in a chapel of light. Thank you.
Thank you for this encouragement. I’ve been hesitant to share my joy in Pysanky, because I’m amateur and unskilled. After reading this I will now attempt to sprinkle hope and belief, while sharing my joy!
Well put, there have been a many times where it was "just one of those days" but there was always something within writing and art that helped me get through it, and that's important and powerful for any artist.
I have been working my way through a book for months called “The History of God” by Karen Armstrong and I finally finished it last night. Her summary of 4,000 years of monotheism carries the same message as your lovely post. After Auschwitz, we have to find a new way to understand God, a way that infuses our lives with meaning and joy that overflows into…gratitude, worship? I am glad that you have found that in poetry and art. I am discovering it there too. So beautiful, thank you for your craft.
Sharing joy! Thank you for handing me the key puzzle piece…..This gives me a way to think about the purpose of painting. Not just experiencing joy, but sharing its cypher.
A beautiful morning reflection, Rona. Especially this: "But I’m not arrogant enough to say that God does not exist. Now more than ever, I need to keep a space for belief ..."
Oh!This post fills me with Joy and I have never seeen a better reading of Welcome Morning. I am honoured to have had Searching for Mercy Street included as a reference and so be part of this thoughtful essay. I know my mother would be happy to be included in a post which looks so gently at these other inspiring writers. Thank you, Rona. Have a great vacation!
So good. I never would have thought to phrase it this way. My personal cliche-like tick is 'communion', sometimes it's best to keep it simple while still being unexpected.
"The Joy that isn’t shared, I’ve heard,
dies young."
Powerful way to end the poem. I was enthralled from start to end.
I have read this and gazed at Mary's painting several times this Sunday morning. Again, thank you for a most thought provoking piece. At times, especially during the pandemic, I questioned what good painting does. I have since realized how very important it is to share the light.
Thank you for introducing me to Mary Pratt. She was also an Amazement Seeker with her pursuit of light. Her Photo Realism with beautiful abstract reflections are lovely and I enjoyed reading about her life and process.
“The kindling of conviction is slow, essential work. It keeps me on the hunt for amazement“
Thanks for the reminder in another wretched night of insomnia-led restless dull spirit.
A rekindling of gratitude for the strong bones of what is and a call to joy is just what I need at 4am. To surrender to the pillow with hope in fresh light at dawn.
This group will appreciate the wonderful interview with Marilynne Robinson that just appeared in the NYT. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/18/magazine/marilynne-robinson-interview.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
This is a wonderfully composed reflection on poetry, joy belief, breakfast...so rich in content and so teasingly provocative of thought.
This! Very thought-provoking piece with layers.
Glad you enjoyed it.
"I’ll choose wonder over knowing any day": the definition of God, who is unknowable, and who can only be found in the not-knowing. Wonder encompasses all of it--the terror and the beauty. Awe-fulness, too. God is in you and you are in God and all of us are One, wrapped up in this together. When we create, we are re-created. There is no all-powerful being outside of us who can stop wars, hunger, pain. The only place to look is inside. Sometimes, I, too, need a reminder--but not on my palm, which is too imbued with Jesus for me. My reminder is forever in the faces of the people I love and who, somehow, love me back. And outside--always, always in the world outside, where the design of creation carries on, over and over again.
Creating art will not bring peace to the Middle East or stop global warming, but does sprinkle hope and belief on the world. That’s a wonderful thing, even if the art is not original or beautiful by objective standards. Hands and minds engaged in making art are not making the trouble that humans get into. And if even one person is heartened by the work, that’s a gift from the artist.
“The Joy that isn’t shared, I’ve heard,
dies young.” Thank you, Rona, for bringing us this lovely meditation. You have the gift of taking us into your life and seating us, with Anne and Mary, in a chapel of light. Thank you.
A joy to share this chapel with you, Mary.
Thank you for this encouragement. I’ve been hesitant to share my joy in Pysanky, because I’m amateur and unskilled. After reading this I will now attempt to sprinkle hope and belief, while sharing my joy!
You’ll get better with practice, Kathy! And it’s not about your skill level. I’ll have more to say about this in a future post
Well put, there have been a many times where it was "just one of those days" but there was always something within writing and art that helped me get through it, and that's important and powerful for any artist.
yes, and re-creating the world as a place of peace is an art form in and of itself.
I have been working my way through a book for months called “The History of God” by Karen Armstrong and I finally finished it last night. Her summary of 4,000 years of monotheism carries the same message as your lovely post. After Auschwitz, we have to find a new way to understand God, a way that infuses our lives with meaning and joy that overflows into…gratitude, worship? I am glad that you have found that in poetry and art. I am discovering it there too. So beautiful, thank you for your craft.
Thank you, Kim. Glad this post found you at the right momeny.
Sharing joy! Thank you for handing me the key puzzle piece…..This gives me a way to think about the purpose of painting. Not just experiencing joy, but sharing its cypher.
Yes, paint on. and let your work be seen. A painting never seen is like the tree that falls in the forest.
A beautiful morning reflection, Rona. Especially this: "But I’m not arrogant enough to say that God does not exist. Now more than ever, I need to keep a space for belief ..."
Margaret, I so appreciate your noticing that line.
Rona, how lovely to wake up to this from you!
Oh!This post fills me with Joy and I have never seeen a better reading of Welcome Morning. I am honoured to have had Searching for Mercy Street included as a reference and so be part of this thoughtful essay. I know my mother would be happy to be included in a post which looks so gently at these other inspiring writers. Thank you, Rona. Have a great vacation!
Linda, your comment lifts my heart. No one knows a good reading of a Sexton poem than you do.
Beautiful, Rona! To the sharing of joy, to the choosing of wonder.
Aww, thanks.
"as the holy birds at the kitchen window
peck into their marriage of seeds."
So good. I never would have thought to phrase it this way. My personal cliche-like tick is 'communion', sometimes it's best to keep it simple while still being unexpected.
"The Joy that isn’t shared, I’ve heard,
dies young."
Powerful way to end the poem. I was enthralled from start to end.
An unexpected ending. A glorious surprise.
"The Joy that isn’t shared, I’ve heard,
dies young."
I have read this and gazed at Mary's painting several times this Sunday morning. Again, thank you for a most thought provoking piece. At times, especially during the pandemic, I questioned what good painting does. I have since realized how very important it is to share the light.
Isn’t it a gorgeous painting? There are many more to see online.
Thank you for introducing me to Mary Pratt. She was also an Amazement Seeker with her pursuit of light. Her Photo Realism with beautiful abstract reflections are lovely and I enjoyed reading about her life and process.
I'm glad you've explored further. She left an astonishing body of work.
Really loved this piece … beautifully written
Thank you, Ethan. By the way, Anne Sexton adored many dogs. Her breed of choice was the Dalmatian.
Interesting! You know I’ve never met a Dalmatian ;)
As always, beautiful, it touched my heart and eyes. I love the painting, poem and of course your post.
Thank you, dear Ildiko.
“The kindling of conviction is slow, essential work. It keeps me on the hunt for amazement“
Thanks for the reminder in another wretched night of insomnia-led restless dull spirit.
A rekindling of gratitude for the strong bones of what is and a call to joy is just what I need at 4am. To surrender to the pillow with hope in fresh light at dawn.
Wishing you good night’s sleep, Suzan. I keep a low dose sleeping pill on hand for occasional use in periods of insomnia.
Beautiful essay
Thank you, Amy.
Dear Rona - I thought I had subscribed a few weeks ago but now I am not sure. Please let me know. LBSealey@charter.net