Still in the January, looking back, looking forward mode, here’s a painting and a poem fitting for the season. The painting was made before the poem, without any “message” in mind. It’s one of a few painted in similar fashion, all still in San Francisco with Lisa Hoyt Art and Design. The poem came later . . . as I was sitting in the back of a room full of creative types in Colorado Springs waiting to be introduced as their weekend speaker. I had the painting with me and ended up featuring it, reading the poem several times over the two days as it became “theme” for our time together. In all, it became evident, at least to me, that it’s only in looking back that we see most clearly. And even then, there’s filter, always a personal perspective. Still, it’s from looking back that we get our best hint of the future.
Enjoy the painting, and the poem.
Boat Rower,
oil on canvas,
36×48
Rowing into Time
Working some
Sometimes hard
Resting between pulls
Sometimes gliding
Moving forward
Looking backward
Seeing . . . no, sensing . . . where I’m going
by where I’ve been.
The occasional over-the-shoulder glance
is all I get about what might be coming.
Meanwhile the rearward view
is satisfying,
always growing . . .
And if I really look,
always beautiful.
But I wonder . . .
For all my fatigue and planning
Is it me doing the work
Or is it the river?
____________
Next: Back to Ecclesiastes–Money, the Answer to Everything
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:10 am
Looking forward by looking back, “Remember all the way.”
11:24 am
Thanks, Alan. By your reference, it would seem you listened to my “Transitions” message just before New Years (http://bit.ly/RTrchU). Or are we just reading the same material?
10:46 am
Lovely!
10:58 am
The more you have rowed, the more it makes sense
11:12 am
Great analogy Hyatt! I’ve done a fair bit of rowing over the years so the analogy really hit home. A little twist to consider. Rowing is much easier when you have a passenger in the back of the boat to help navigate. Slight directional signals, a lean of the head or a raise of a hand, is all you need to stay the course. I would think that in Life Jesus is our rowing companion. Focus on him and your course will be true! Even when you cant see what lies ahead…
11:20 am
Excellent addition, Jody, and something I’d not considered. I should paint an “invisible” presence in the back of that rowboat. Then again, perhaps it’s already there.
11:31 am
Hyatt, I think it’s just that we share some institutional history!
12:27 pm
Both
12:32 pm
OH HYATT, THANK YOU! I saw this picture and smiled! Thank you! I love your simple and lovely reflections. You are right about just going with the flow of the river, sometimes looking back, looking forward of course always. Using the looking back to grow, to smile, to rejoice, to stay at peace, to see who is leading you and how well taken care of you really have been. To stay in faith! IT works! Love Lisa
1:16 pm
Now I’m feeling peaceful. Thanks for reminding me to remember and relax. Needed to hear this today!
5:45 pm
Seeing where I’m going from where I’ve been — great line.
10:14 am
Continually moving, always rowing. At times, the pull seems effortless, at other times, a struggle. The poem/picture echos the ebb and flow of life, Hyatt. So beautifully put. The clarity we receive looking back affirms the value of reflection. As one ages, this becomes more a commonplace. I like it.
11:17 am
I Think we need to keep rowing and growing.
2:31 pm
Thanks Hyatt… much to ponder in a few lines.
I have found that momentum is a wonderful thing. It makes it easier to conquer the waves that I can’t see coming, in fact, the more momentum I generate with God’s help, the more I don’t even see the wave until after I have gone through it.
7:37 pm
Hyatt,
Thank you for this analogy! Many years ago, someone I looked up to said, ” I think that I really only know God’s will in life as I look back”. When I read your poem, that reconnected with my heart.
Paula
9:01 am
Hyatt,
Your coming to Co. springs was a highlight in my art walk and spiritual vision. Thank you for your blank slate which continues to inspire. Your paintings are wonderful. They give such joy and awe. Your poetry and insight into Ecclesiastes makes me ponder these eternal truths and I thank you. I want to wish you and Anne a most blessed new year as you continue to bless me.
Fondly, sue