For the next 40 days (47 if you count Sundays and Easter) I am going to be doing something different for Art 365-16. A wonderful artist, Jennifer Edwards, has issued a gracious invitation to other artists to join her on a Pilgrimage for Lent. A Pilgim’s Draw is based on the tradition of pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. In lieu of actually traveling overseas and walking the Camino, she proposed to walk where you live and sketch what you see and journal any special thoughts or insights you receive.
I admit, I was hesitant about going on this Pilgrimage. First, I am not Catholic. I’m from a fundamentalist, evangelical Church of Christ. I don’t want to appear as a ‘poser’ or ‘wannabe’ to my Catholic readers. However, since my freshman year at college, when I began observing Lent with my roommates, I have been blessed beyond measure by the experience. Second, this is a long time to devote to a project. What am I going to draw as I’ve already completed two Lenten series? How will I find something fresh? Never mind that, where will I find the time to draw and walk? What about the crazy Midwest weather and the fact that winter is far from finished here?
Well, folks I am taking a leap of faith here and jumping in with both feet. No plan, no expectations. If the weather is bad I’ll head to the mall or hit the treadmill. I’m letting go of the spirit of perfection and the finished paintings I made for my last Lenten series. I might get in a scribble on the trail or I might be inspired by my reading and devotionals to do a painting. I’ll let the Spirit move me.
Today, Day One, Ash Wednesday, we were blessed with beautiful warm weather. My daughter, R3, and I enjoyed one of the many walking trails near our home. She was sweet and patient as I sketched the cattails at the trail head after our walk. The cattails were backlit by the sun and rimmed in light- perfect for Ash Wednesday.
On Ash Wednesday, an ashen cross is marked on believer’s foreheads symbolizing mortality, mourning. Ash, even though it symbolizes our sins and fleeting life, is also used as a wonderful fertilizer stimulating new growth. The cattails are dead, slowly drifting away in the breeze. However, new life and new plants will come from those tiny seeds.
I was dead in sin, slowly falling apart but Jesus died to give me new life, everlasting life. Hallelujah!!!
Cattails worked in chalk in my Chameleon fauxdori, Tad Cooper (three huzzahs for Galavant fans!!).
Remember, faith works!
All are welcome to participate in Lenten activities RaSonya! I am Catholic and all of us would so welcome any who want to to join us. It’s a time for remembering who we are in relation to God. That His grace is what keeps us going and what saves us too. We may view our faith with different lenses but our eyes should all be on Jesus! Happy trails.
Thank you so much Timaree!! You have such a beautiful, generous view of Lent. That was exactly what I needed to ease my misgivings, to be reminded we are all one family in Christ and can celebrate our Savior together!!! Thank you and God bless you richly!