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!
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!
