My dear friend Amber Cadenas writes at her blog Beautiful Rubbish with the tagline, “everyday art of learning to see.”
I think about that on this Friday morning — how seeing is art and how we must learn it and learn it again.
My mama first taught me how. In details like the long shadow, curve of leaves, glint of gem stones, chartreuse and scarlet, and that kind of seeing lives in me still. When stodgy adult responsibilities settle down, and resentments try to burrow roots, I can choose to put back on those child eyes and see my world, God, people and all these stories with thanks.
I read that “see” comes from the Latin “sequi,” which means “follow,” and it makes so much sense how our very living follows from how we see. When I see from a critical space, everything marches in line. When I see lack, lack grows.
When I look at the flickering candle and feel only the day’s worries press and ask for new eyes, it’s no longer angst or even flame alone.
Because the fire’s rhythm is exactly the bounce of a giant balloon tied to a rubber band, pounding against my littlest one’s palm. Up and down, up and down. It’s her giggles and arm trying to keep up, and it’s joy in what she feels and sees, and I’m a child again too.
Joining with the community of Five Minute Friday writers at Lisa-Jo Baker’s place. Would love to have you join us there. Today’s prompt: SEE.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
I love you. That is all.
I love you, Karrilee. There is more, and yet that is all. :-)
Your appreciative introduction aknowledging a beautiful gift from your Mama is only exceeded by the way in which you chose to close this fantastic piece. I LOVE your 5 Minute Fridays Girl!
Thanks so much for reading along, Uncle Don. I am continually aware of that gift given me by my mama. I do carry it with me wherever I go and hope to be able to pass that onto my girls, too.
Oh Ashley, I never knew that about the Latin root word for “see” and oh yes it makes such sense, and I love that you saw it, and love that you shared it! What an insight that is. And oh yes, what we see has so much (nearly all) to do with our willingness! If only we knew, in every moment, the choices we have – we really can take off our stodgy, smudgy adult glasses and see with fresh eyes. How beautiful is that?!
And can I just say, that photo is Delightful ! Wonderful ! It was what I woke to, and it’s making my whole day! And then, and always, there’s the way you paint truth with fresh words. It’s magic for me. xo
Mama, you are always such an encourager-cheerleader. Thank you for that gift! I was thrilled to see that connection, too — grateful for God leading me to that very spot. And that photo – yep, I love it too. J on Crazy Clothes Day. I’d say she nailed it.
This is great. Love the image at the end! You words always make me smile.
And seeing you here brings a smile to my face. I see you’ve posted new, Kim. Excited to get over there and read your words.
Dear Ashley
Oh, I think our whole life is an art of grace with the Master Artist adding colors and shapes to create a beautiful individual. Amber is a wise woman!
Blessings for 2014 XX
Mia
Us as an art of grace — what a beautiful way to say it, Mia! I just saw Amber yesterday (so grateful), and she is indeed wise! Loving humble wisdom just oozes from her pores.
I couldn’t agree more: your words are magic for me, too. I love that the Latin root of see is follow, and how you saw in that such wisdom. You, my friend, are one that sees, on many levels – and that is one of MANY beauties about you. Love you.
I love you, sweetheart! Truly, seeing you yesterday filled me right up. Was thinking as I left our time just how much you see from that humble seeking and seeing place. You inspire me.
Love your words, Ashley. You write images that stick.
Thank you, dear friend, for your continual encouragement on the journey.
Your little Latin lesson (loved it, I’m a word nerd) instantly reminded of the words of Christ when He said, “the eye is the light to the inner you…and if your eye sees dark, how great is that darkness…that is a terrible paraphrase that I think I have completely bumbled I know (too lazy to look it up cuz I know I will get instantly distracted}..but it always reminded me how important perspective is…this post really brought that truth home for me too.
Cheers,
Leah
I love that verse you’re talking about, fellow word nerd. :-) Such truth to apply on so many levels, Leah. Yes, we are surrounded by continual stimulus, but also the choice about what we’ll tell ourselves about what we see. Helps me understand once again why choosing to give thanks for what we see does indeed change our hearts. Thanks for your presence here!
Indeed we see what we want to see. And even in the shadows we can choose to see Light. Beautiful message! I’m learning to see, too.
Christy @ A Heartening Life
http://www.ahearteninglife.com
I love what you say about the shadows, Christy. That is a continual challenge, but what good there….finding beauty even among the dark ashes. Bless you in your seeing!