Pen and Paint Ponderings with Karen and Karen
by Karen Wilk (writer) and Karen Tamminga-Paton (painter)
Before you read the reflection below, we invite you to take a moment to contemplate the artwork. Pause and reflect, and notice your own observations about the work and what thoughts it sparks in you. Then read the poem below.
Goodness, Gentleness and Patience Rest on Main.
Do they?
In the midst of pain
Violence, addiction
Garbage, decay, dereliction?
Where is GOODNESS
When the market, the climate,
Our neighbourhood, our health
The whole world seems bad?
Could goodness be found
In the smile an old lady on a bench bears
In an open gesture that welcomes and shares
In the bright yellow, the dandelion growing up through the crack, wears?
Indeed goodness sits with arms folded in her lap
Contented, present, attentive to what ere she might meet
For Creator
And all Creation
Are good
Very good…
Thus Goodness rests in orange
– with slippered feet.
Goodness, Gentleness and Patience Rest on Main.
Do they?
Where is GENTLENESS
Amongst harsh words, raised fists,
Racists and riots,
Bigots, bullies…
So much injustice, fear and hate.
What could be gentle in this sorry state?
How could the beauty of ruby red, and hidden hands
rest—and make a difference…
Shift the sands,
Calm the storm
Calm in the storm?
Tenderness in the rough?
Kindness dispelling meanness
Grace forgiving offenses
Disarming
Charming
Salt and pepper hair
Fruit of the Spirit
Embodied in the midst of it all
Gentle
Friendly
For us not against us…
Like a grandmother.
Goodness, Gentleness and Patience Rest on Main.
Really?
Like a grandfather
Resting on his walking stick
Leaning forward
Observant
Patient
Patience on Main
Through all the street’s changes
The world’s changes,
Life stages…
Still
Expectant
Trusting
Full of gratitude
For in all the mystery
In all the questions
In all the what ifs and why not’s
God rests among us.
WITH US
IN US.
As human frailty, failure and faultiness are made new
In the good and gentle ways
Of patient Love
GRACE ABOUNDS
On a bench
In the muted sun
On Main Street
Embracing every one of us.
Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,
and I will live forever in your house, Lord. Psalm 23:6 CEV
Did you know that alongside Christine Sine’s book The Gift of Wonder, we have many resources available to you? The free downloadable bonus packet or beautiful prayer cards featuring prayers from the book, for example – something to hold and behold! Or perhaps you’d like to journey through the book alongside a retreat – we have that too! You can check it all out in our shop!
1 comment
This is so rich and beautiful! I’ve read it through and looked at the painting a number of times. Thank you!