Perspective

Some of you know that for my day job I am an art teacher. These days it seems that most of my hours go towards school, so as I sit here finding a moment to write on my Christmas break, it seems appropriate to talk about the art teacherin’ part of my life.

One of my grammar school classes is working on learning how to use watercolors. One of the things we talk about is how to use atmospheric perspective. This is a non-technical way to create space in a picture. For watercolor, we talk about how we can create a color shift to show space in a work. Warmer hues appear closer to the viewer and cooler hues appear farther from the viewer. This is a natural phenomena that makes distant mountains appear blue and sometimes even purple.

The technique is easy to explain, but there are always a few who just don’t buy it. “But my mountains need to be green- because they are filled with green leafy trees!” It takes time, lots of explaining, and some examples to get them past this hurdle. And for some, they will hold on to believing that I’m wrong.

As I take a moment to reflect on this past year, I think that perhaps I also am in need of a lesson on perspective. Like many, this past year has been a difficult one for me. The unknown is at times consuming. I find myself tossed between hope and despair. What a roller coaster!

I can relate to my sheep. When they sense a change in their environment they flee. With even the slightest sudden movement or sound they fill with fear. Their fright causes them to set out on a chaotic scramble, sheep running in every direction. In opposition, you will know when a sheep is truly comfortable, because they will lay down. Perfect peace.

In this season, God is calling you and me to find this same perfect peace. For me, this will require a shift in perspective. Whether I feel it or not, I will need to trust that the Lord is still on His throne, that he is able to heal, that he can bring unity even in these times, and ultimately that he knows best.

As this year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for supporting our farm. It has been an incredible year of growth, and we are appreciative of this community.