Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Reaping Time

Sunshine in Wonderland was a 25 cent lucky find at a thrift shop. Inside this book are beautiful vintage black and white photos of people and places in Norway.

I was especially captured by this photo, titled "Reaping Time", by a photographer named Eidem. So much of this picture was inspiring to me: her reaching gesture, the expression on her face, and the light and shadows. There's just something in it that speaks of the labor and fruitfulness, the joys and sorrows of life.

I made a small detail painting in oils from this image. It's a bit rough, but for now I like it that way. I may develop it more sometime in the future. The reach... what am I reaching for? The One who watches over me. Taking hold of that for which God has taken hold of me. Reach - the word we encourage our children by, hoping they will go farther than we ever could, chasing after things of eternal value.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart". Gal 6:9

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

What I like most about the picture is that even though her pail is full and there is plenty of fruit within easy reach, she extends herself farther so that none of the harvest will be lost.

Jodi said...

cool observation!

Anonymous said...

I like that observation, too.

I want to say many things in response to your post, but you've said them so fully. The photo and the painting are beautiful. It's almost like you were searching, with eyes wide open, to find the little book in the first place. Then you responded by seeing and understanding the photo, and your heart responded by painting it, you say roughly, I say rather tenderly. I like the colors.
I know when our heart searches, really searches for truth, beauty, and understanding, fruit comes. We realize we are searched for in earnest, as well.
My sister, who had recently lost her toddler, was out on a very dark night searching for her other child's shoes. While groping for the shoes, she realized more keenly her heart's
search for her lost child, and she was instantly comforted in her mourning by a sense of her closeness.

I love your posts.
Joan

Jodi said...

Dear Joan, my heart goes out to your sister. I pray that God will continue to pour His comfort and care upon her and the family.

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Jodi,
I must say that you are a really good artint! Good job! I really like that picture!
Thanks for the prayers... keep praying for her!
THANKS!
Phyllis

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