A Story Worth Telling

It was 36 degrees in Brisbane today. I went for a 12km walk at midday. 

Some people have an appreciation for common sense. I (clearly) am not one of those people.

I did have enough sense, though, to linger for more than a moment in the miraculously frigid Queensland Art Gallery, a sanctuary possessed of two of my favourite things (good art and good air conditioning).

Part of the reason for my lingering was one particular painting, entitled 'Evicted', by Blandford Fletcher.

I stood in front of it for the better part of ten minutes, captivated by the narrative unfolding in my mind: a widow and her child, cast out by the bailiff and gazed upon indifferently by neighbours; suddenly homeless but keeping a brave face amidst a scattering of brown leaves heralding the cold winter ahead. 

The plaque next to this beautiful work touched briefly upon its creator's intention: this painting is meant to be read as a story. 

When an artwork is intentional in its desire to stir imagination, it tends to succeed. Every element of the painting invited a response, and I remained inexorably planted in front of it, interrogating its details and probing its symbolism.

I could see the widow's pain in humiliation; could hear the restrained desire of one onlooking housewife to rush over and offer comfort; could feel the crisp autumn wind raising the hairs on the neck of the pitiable bailiff. 

It was a simple, heartbreaking moment - and it was a story worth telling.

What was today's heartbreak for you?

What were the simple moments that seemed insignificant?

What details did you overlook?

Blandford Fletcher managed, I believe, to capture the mind of the Creator pretty well in that one statement: "this painting is meant to be read as a story."

I'm not a significant person. My life isn't filled with extravagant adventures or hilarious episodes or martyr-like heroics. I am simple and little, living an ordinary life filled with extraordinary moments.

And it's those moments that are worth capturing; they make up a story worth telling. 

In every snapshot of my life, my Creator wants to communicate something: with me and with the world. He invites imagination; He stirs response; He asks me to notice the details and interrogate every moment to understand His intention.

Oh glorious creation, do you know the worth of your own story? Do you realise the Artist's intention in every colour of your existence?

Take a moment to let your gaze linger upon this day. Let the narrative captivate you. Ask the Artist: what story do you want me to read?

It is one worth telling.

AMDG