Tom Tower

 Tom Tower at Christ Church College,

University of Oxford, England -- 9 X 12 Pen & Ink and Watercolor



When we think of greatness, we often think of those women and men who have left their mark upon this world through major achievements -- the inventors, the record holders, the first persons to accomplish particular tasks, etc.  Yet I find that more often than not, the most profound change in this world is brought through ordinary people doing ordinary things. 

The tower in this painting was designed at the close of the 17th Century by Sir Christopher Wren, who was no stranger to great accolades.  At the base, countless students have passed through the gate, many of whom also seemed destined for greatness.  Tucked away in the shadows, however, sets a small booth where countless porters have served to guard the entrance, people whose names may never appear in the history books.  Yet, for some, their impact can be felt today.

The following recounts the impact one such porter had in the early 18th Century upon a young John Wesley -- the founder of a world-wide movement of personal, social, and spiritual reform:

Late one night he [John Wesley] had a conversation with the porter of his college, which began with pleasantry, but ended with a point that deeply impressed the merry student:

"Go home and get another coat," said Wesley.

"This is the only coat I have in the world, and I thank God for it," replied the porter.

"Go home and get your supper, then," said the young student.

"I have had nothing to-day but a drink of water, and I thank God for that," rejoined the other.

"It is late, and you will be locked out, and then what will you have to thank God for "

"I will thank him that I have the dry stones to lie upon."

"John," said Wesley, "you thank God when you have nothing to wear, nothing to eat, and no bed to lie upon; what else do you thank him for "

"I thank him," responded the good man, "that he has given me my life and being, a heart to love him, and a desire to serve him;" and the porter's word and tone made Wesley feel that there was something in religion which he had not as yet found.

(taken from John Wesley the Methodist; Text scanning, proofreading, MS Word conversion, and other modifications by Ryan Danker.  Copyright 1999 by the Wesley Center for Applied Theology. Text may be freely used for personal or scholarly purposes or mirrored on other web sites, provided this notice is left intact. Any use of this material for commercial purposes of any kind is strictly forbidden without the express permission of the Wesley Center Online at Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, ID 83686. Contact the Wesley Center Online for permission or to report errors.).

Clifford's Tower





 

 

Clifford's Tower -- 5 X 7 quick sketch in acrylic

 



The ruins of this medieval castle reside perched atop a motte in York, England.  The city itself remains surrounded by protective walls dating back hundreds of years.  These fortifications, scattered across the British landscape, seem to cry out the centuries-old stories of conflict, bloodshed, and loss. 

Although the days of pillaging the neighboring village are mostly relegated to the pages of history, there still exists a reflection of ourselves in this ancient architecture.  In various ways, we tend to construct "walls" around our own existence--walls that attempt to protect that which is mine while keeping out those other than myself.

What if we were to allow those walls to crumble?  Am I willing to let others into my world, to expose my story, to reveal my values, or even my weaknesses?  Am I willing to go beyond my own comfortable walls and listen to the story of another, or to meet a need at the expense of my own convenience?  To truly love our neighbor requires risk, but a risk worth taking!



Big Ben

 

Big Ben Clock Tower -- 5 X 7 Sepia Pen and Ink on Parchment

 

Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower shown, rather, it is the name given to the bell inside.  This tower, officially named Elizabeth Tower, stands beside the Houses of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster along the River Thames in London.  For more than 150 years, the tower has served as an icon for the city of London and the United Kingdom as a whole.  The iconic representation remains so strong that often when one sees the tower, one thinks "London".  When London is mentioned, many think Big Ben.

Such icons are all around us.  The glow of two golden arches alerts us that McDonald's is near, the Statue of Liberty represents a nation's freedom, a picture of Michael Jordan turns the mind to basketball. 

What about you and me?  Is it possible that we represent something more? a family? a business? a broader culture? or perhaps something of the eternal?  When others see us, do they see a love that represents a greater kingdom ruled by a God who in very essence is love?

Jesus Washing Disciples' Feet



Jesus Washing Disciples' Feet -- 11 x 14 acrylic (Based on Rembrandt etching)

In a culture emphasizing success, achievement, climbing the corporate ladder, wealth and prosperity, we often need the reminder that profundity is found in simplicity, effectiveness might come through being more than doing, and the most dynamic power usually spreads through meekness and humility.  When Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He demonstrated leadership through serving and power through love.  What would this world look like if we truly would "go and do likewise?"

Considering Lilies

Lilies on Black -- 11 x 14 oil on acrylic

 



Beauty exists all around us.  A colorful sunset, a bright rainbow after a storm, the autumn leaf colors, a deer eating quietly in the field, all serve to remind us of the ways in which the ethereal mysteriously enters our ephemeral surroundings.  Jesus encouraged his students to "consider the lilies," reflect upon the beauty that God created, and to know how much more He would care for them.  Today, take a look at the beauty that surrounds you and remember how precious you are to our loving and caring God.

 

For more on this topic, please click the link entitled "Destinatum" to the right. 



The Value of Time



 



Clock and Apple -- 14 x 17 Charcoal

This art deco clock belonged to my wife's Grandpa, Ralph.  Within a couple years prior to his death, he and I were sitting in the backyard one beautiful summer day.  At the time, he was sensing that his life was coming to a close.  I asked him if he was ready, if things were right with God and others.  He proceeded to tell a story. 

While serving as a military police officer during World War II, one day, he was leading a convoy on his motorcycle.  The other MP road quickly from the back to the front of the convoy offering to take the lead for a time.  Ralph took his place at the back.  After a short time, the vehicles came to a quick stop.  Ralph sped to the front of the line to see what was holding them up.  Upon reaching the front, he saw that a bomb had exploded, killing the friend with whom he had just changed places.  As Grandpa Ralph reflected on that painful day, years later he realized that he was allowed more time on this earth, time to get married, raise a family, hold his first grandchild.  He was thankful to God and thankful for family, friends, and experiences along the way.

In a couple places, the Apostle Paul reminds us to live wisely and "redeem the time."  This drawing reminds me of the value of time, the brevity of life, and the need to make the most of every opportunity. 

Bodleian Library



Bodleian Library -- 9 x 12 Pen and Ink with Watercolor

Bodleian Library -- 3 x 5 Pen and Ink Sketch



 

The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, England opened in 1602, but incorporated libraries begun in the early fourteenth century.  Currently, it houses more than 11 million printed items spanning the millennia.

 

One day, I was looking through a collection of 18th and 19th Century letters in the special collections.  Carefully flipping through these hand written letters, in beautiful calligraphy I saw the signatures of famous historic figures like George Washington, William Cowper, Thomas Paine, Charles Dickens, Percy Shelley, John Wesley, William Wilberforce, and many others.  Often, we feel disconnected from history, separated by time, distance, and culture.  Holding these letters in my hand reminded me of a deep and real connection with the past.  We are all a part of a broader story, an unfolding narrative of Divine involvement in the physical universe.  Where is your fit within the greater story?

 

An ancient Hebrew proverb states, "the mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge."

 



Bodleian Library -- 5 x 7 Quick Sketch in Acrylic