The Picture...

We have heard the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words". So true, one could write pages and find that a simple picture of the event would convey the same information. 

Something unique about a picture I find is that a picture allows the person looking at it to process what they see through their own background, mindset and value system, evoking different observations and meanings, whereas words on a page are less open to private interpretation. Pictures do speak.

Recently at a ladies breakfast I placed a picture at all the tables with some pencils and notepaper. I told the ladies that as a picture is worth a thousand words I wanted them to find the words that went with the picture! They could give a title for the picture and/or write what the picture spoke to them. I was amazed at what they 'saw'.

The picture was one that was taken by my niece Rachel. As soon as I saw it, it spoke volumes to me and I was excited to see what these ladies would find. Would it be similar to what came to my mind or would they see something completely different?

Here are some of their thoughts:

• Beauty among the ashes
• Solidly planted and grounded
• Beauty
• Romance
• New Beginnings
• New Birth
• Being used in the season that you are in
• Climbing higher
• Blossoming
• God's love for us
• The Michael W. Smith song "Like a Rose trampled on the ground"
• Rich damp earth accented by flashes of brilliant colour, deep roots feeding leafy extensions - just like life
• The petals are still not wilted or dried up. They are beautiful even though they have fallen from the flowers.
• Enjoying nature helps me to be closer to God
• Reminds me of the scripture where Jesus reminds us on how we are not to worry - how well He clothes the flowers which are here and gone. He will also take care of us.
• Surrender - a life surrendered to the Lord - that our lives would be fragrant, His fragrance emitted through our daily walk.

To me the exercise emphasized the importance of fellowship and our need of each other. It reminded me of Proverbs 11:14 "Where there is no counsel the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." One person may have an idea but look at what happens when many get together! I was so encouraged by all of their comments.

God is amazing! He does speak to us through His creation. How much do we miss because we don't take the time just to gaze upon the glories of all God has surrounded us with in nature! God is always and forever GOOD! His voice comes to us in so many ways. May we have ears to listen!

What do you see? What do the picture and/or the accompanying ideas written above speak to you? If you would like to share your thoughts please leave a comment.

Blessings.