Some days it seems the cat's got my tongue. More accurately it seems that this blog has birthed many beautiful private conversations which I have come to treasure. There is the occasional 'less than pretty' volley hurtled this way, including some recent words about frilly pictures serving no purpose and words – those of theological debate in particular – being "all that matter." I admit I chewed over that one. Those words stung not because I felt they were true but because they ran completely counter to what I believe about art and life and truth and how those things are so intricately connected.
Image and silence move me in a way that clever words never can, filling me to overflowing with gratitude for the embarrassment of riches we are swimming in, even in the worst of times. The sun still rises one pink ribbon at a time, still curtsies out in flames. The forest is a riot of color and texture at this moment. And my baby's blue eyes are arresting. Everywhere I turn there is beauty, which is of course but a mirror of the One who created it all and presents this abundance to us daily. It makes me want to know Him more.
Elisabeth Leseur shared a similar sentiment:
"The disinterested search for beauty, the passionate concern for justice, the love of truth are so many routes that lead to God. Sometimes one makes many detours; one even gets lost a little. And yet one always reaches the goal towards which one marches without even knowing it."
For some of us, the love of justice leads to the Supreme Judge. The philosopher often finds himself standing before the All Wise and All Knowing. And , for some, beauty points to the hands of the Creator who dreamt this all up in the first place. All those paths are valid and none to be shunned. He is indeed the Hound of Heaven and seeks each of us out by different means.
Elisabeth also counsels us:
"To carefully avoid all discussion on religious subjects. Prayer, example, words and deeds filled with charity and intelligence – these are the elements of fruitful controversy. The combat of intellects will never open the way to God, but a ray of charity sometimes illumines the path from which some poor destressed heart is wandering and leads it to its destination."
It breaks my heart into bits, I tell you. But there are times when it is best to walk away rather than sacrificing charity to prove a point. The way to God is not won by a battle of words and silence is often the most charitable gift we can give. Debate is not my mojo and leaves me exhausted and hurting rather than invigorated. I avoid it like the plague. Instead I offer what little bit of beauty I can share. I offer my sincere prayers and gratitude for same. I also offer my humble apologies when my words fail, which is not infrequently, darn it.
Beauty and the very judicious use of words are my two trusted allies these days.
Starry Sky Journal 
Kim- You have the ability to pack so much wisdom into a few words. Thank you for sharing yourself. I value your friendship and admire your willingness to reach out to your readers. I have always been a person who loves words and I have even been known to thrive on argument (it’s the attorney in me). Yet I am finding (with age) that silence, beauty and focusing on living a life of example bring much more peace than words once did. Thank you for your fine example.
And for someone who says words don’t move her as much as beauty does, you certainly have a way with words! 🙂 It’s interesting, just this morning I was reading the account of Paul entering into debate and philosophy with the Greeks in Acts. Each obviously has his own gifting, and needs to move within that. I think when you have a somewhat ‘public forum’ though, like a blog, some people forget charity and that they don’t have a right to demand what they want of you. Keep doing what you enjoy!! 🙂
Kim, I agree wholeheartedly.
Debate is not for everyone and should not always be our tactic of first resort. I can’t do it without a great cost to my own peace of mind. I find that an example (or a picture, as they say) is “worth a thousand words.”
I believe St Francis was speaking to this very point when he said: “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
I, personally LOVE your words AND your pictures and find them both very inspiring and uplifting. I hope you continue with both for a long time because they truly bless us.
Excellent post! I feel exactly as Tracey does. I have always loved a good debate, but the older I get, the more valuable — and necessary — beauty and silence are to me. And I’m starting to understand (finally! my poor husband would say LOL) how others can prefer them to a battle of wits. God bless you, Kim. :o)
Kim,
You light up my heart with your pictures and heart-felt thoughts! I am blessed to know you! You inspire me so very much. I feel your words are always an oasis of peace amidst much noise that I find myself in daily…what a struggle that noise is! But, I tell ya that your words keep my heart focused on the prize..the true prize at the end of the journey. Thanks for being that deep breath of peace. {{{HUGS}}}
Ah! There is Elisabeth again! I really have to pick up that book and read it s l o w l y…why am I always in such a rush? It is so hard lately to “be still”!
Hey, too bad they don’t have crazy glue for the heart! It is often moments like those that show us that we are on the right path, don’t they? Let that beauty shine!! ALLL of it!!
I thoroughly enjoyed your glimpse of Paris. Thoroughly. I was just the tiniest bit (o.k., maybe more than a tiny bit) envious. Would love to find a streetside cafe and have a cafe au lait with you (and listen to those bells!). Actually, I’d rather find one in Germany, but both are dreaming!
I just want to add that these are just the thoughts I have arrived at and feel sure are right for me at this moment. They are explanatory but not necessarily prescriptive for others. There are definitely different giftings and all are necessary.
There are different seasons of life too and some gifts are better exercised in one situation or another. One reality of having a full house is that you have to do what you must to retain some semblance of recollection. There is also the admonition by Paul in Eph. 4 to maintain the bond of peace. Most often there is no completely graceful way to bow out of difficult conversations. I am not angry in the least but I always feel sad that when I do need to step back from here, and into my family life, it may leave the impression that other people’s concerns or feelings aren’t important.
I also agree with James that the tongue is a double edged sword. We can bless or wound and that in a blink of an eye. If there is any chance that blessing will not be the outcome I am trying to err on the side of silence. The best thing I can do for those around me right now is to work as hard as I can on my own shortcomings and to continue to point back to the God Who forgives and bathes us in grace, not debate with them.
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen , being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful ; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened .
I happen to enjoy your pictures and am appreciative when people will limit their words, so I can actually get through the post before I have to be off attending to someone or something. The blogs with short succinct entries and lots of beautiful pictures have survived on my reader much longer than the wordier ones and the pictures often turn my thoughts to our Lord who is a God of indescribable beauty. Thank you. 😀
What I’ll never understand is this…if someone else has a problem with your (or my or anyone’s!) writing, why can’t they just stop reading? It’s their choice, which blogs they visit. So if there is such an issue..quit visiting. Simple. You know I’ve been the recipient of some hate-mail these past couple weeks and it dumbfounds me. I don’t purposely and repeatedly seek out those I disagree with. I just don’t get it. Listen to the people who love you–keep the photos, succint entries, and longer thoughts all coming!! 🙂 We are blessed because of them.
I appreciate your ability to find the beautiful around you and your taking the time to share it with us. I am grateful for your images gentle
reminder to slow down and rejoice in the small bits of the lovely woven into our days. Indeed, God’s handiwork is always around us, calling
us into relationship with Him.
There are many of us who are grateful for the pearls you cast.
Beautiful, Kim! Your gratitude and appreciation for the beauty around us is inspiring.
Your words are always lovely and well-chosen. But I love your pictures. They are such a pretty way to start my morning (or end my evening, at the moment, but I”m usually on in the mornings!). I also hate debate and am mystified by people that enjoy arguing. It hurts my heart and my head. But I guess the world needs debaters. 🙂 I’m glad to leave it to them!