LIght and Dark

 Yesterday morning I was really feeling the fall out of a couple of very long months at work.  For many of us work is such a blessing.  Especially in these economic times we can all be grateful that we have work at all.  I am blessed to not only have work, but to have work I love. God uses me best in this role and keeps me out of trouble most of the time.  All that said, it is easy to get weary.  


Over the years I have learned that it is in those times I most need quiet time with God.  Quiet time, time when I can let my mind wander, when I can perhaps just let it all be.  

One of the ways that I do that is to draw Mandala"s and color them.

"The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sansknit.  Loosely translated to mean, "circle", a mandala is far more than a simple shape.  It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself-a cosmic diagram that remids us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds."
*This is from a website called the Mandala Project.  I will put the link on this page.

For some this might just sound like coloring for adults.  I suppose in some ways it is.  But one of the things that I have found is that when I am working with color and design, I am not thinking. Some would suggest that I am thinking in a different way.  What I know is  my mind begins to quiet.  The color, shape and texture seem to be leading me.

On this day, I was able to use some watercolor pencils that I was given for Christmas.  On January 31st. I was finally able to find time to sit down and experiment with them.  Art speaks to my soul in a way nothing else does.  My mind is not being asked to form words, concepts or make a plan.

As I approached the end of my time, I was very nervous about adding the black and yet, there was something in me that felt really called to add it.  As you look at these images what difference does it make?

*How does the addition of the dark change the mandala?

*Why do we often dread the dark, and yet, how does the dark change our experience of the light?

*What forms of prayer can you do that allow your mind to quiet and be present with God?

May you find time to spend with God today.  May you allow your mind to wander, or just be.