I was reminded again today about the power of art.
Once upon a time I had this job. Every day I went to work and I searched for ways to soften people’s hearts. I would wade my way through scores of CD’s and movies and videos and books. I would immerse myself in Scripture and pray for God to show me just the right medium for each and every moment I was helping to create. And He did. In the process of looking for ways to soften the hearts of others, mine became soft too. I saw beauty in things I’d overlooked before and I gave people the benefit of the doubt more. My first impulse was to love rather than doubt and although at times it bit me, my wounds healed pretty quickly.
For the past year or so I’ve had a different job. It’s a good job and I like it, but instead of purposefully surrounding myself with art, I’m surrounded instead with numbers. It’s been a subtle change I guess and I don’t think I fully realized it until today.
I was sitting in church and after a particularly touching prayer, the band began playing a song I’m familiar with – one with personal significance to me. I’ve heard the song a hundred times, but this time three little dancers came on the stage and interpreted the lyrics with their movement as the lights dimmed and a light haze surrounded them. I felt the tears come bubbling up and that’s when it hit me – my heart has become hardened. And this moment that someone else prayed for and planned for was softening it.
Art is a funny thing. It’s sort of like oxygen. You don’t really think about it until it’s not there anymore. But without it I think we all become hardened and cold. I believe that Art is God’s love language to us, and when we ignore it we cease to hear Him quite as clearly as He’d like.
So this week I will become intentional once again about listening to God through His creation. I will make time to soak in a song. I will read a good novel and I will create something myself too.
Thank you to all the people who create the things that move my heart in ways that I am incapable of expressing myself. Thank you to my GOD who knows how much I need them.
