Who among you recognizes this guy? In case you aren't familiar, this is Bob Ross whose show "The Joy of Painting"was a staple of Public Broadcasting System programming for many years. There is no way to know how many times I have seen this show over the course of my life, or how many "happy little trees" I have witnessed him painting, but it grabs my attention every time I run across it.
Last night as we were settling into bed and I was flipping through the television channels (bad sleep hygiene, I'm aware) I ran across "The Best of Joy of Painting" on our local PBS affiliate, and if you have ever come across these shows they are mesmerizing. This strange looking fella standing in front of an easel using what most artists would consider unorthodox methods to create beautiful paintings all while encouraging others to do the same with step by step instruction and the softest grandfatherly voice coaxing you to the finish.
Anyone who knows me very well at all can attest that I am no artist, yet this intrigues me. Their are multiple lessons to be learned by watching programming like this:
1) We must have a vision. Mr. Ross looks into a blank canvas and envisions beautiful mountain streams surrounded by stones, brush, trees and wildflowers. With each stroke, poke, and scrape of his tools he takes a step toward that vision.
" Where there is no vision,
the people perish;
but He that keepeth
the Law, happy is he."
Proverbs 29:18
2) Unorthodox or unconventional methods are not a problem. The goal is to move toward your vision, even moreso the vision God has for your life. It is not always easy, and we don't always have the same set of tools as others. Your gifts and talents and my gifts and talents are not the same, as a result we may, and likely will, go about the same task in a different manner. I would recommend we each take a look at I Corinthians 12 for more on this matter. Below are a couple of excerpts from that rich chapter of scripture:
"Now there are diversities of gifts,
but the same spirit."
I Corinthians 12:4
"but the manifestation of the Spirit
is given to every man to profit withal."
I Corinthians 12:7
3) Encourage others. A simple encouraging word can be just the difference someone needs in their day. It costs you nothing and can be treasured by the one who receives it. Mr. Ross was an encourager as he produced these paintings, and by the accounts I have seen in how he conducted his life as well.
"but exhort one another daily,
while it is still called today;
lest any of you be hardened
through the deceitfulness of sin."
Hebrews 3:13
4) Slow down. Life in the 21st century goes as such a hectic pace. Take a moment slow down and enjoy some simple pleasures. It could be watching "The Joy of Painting" with Bob Ross, reading a great book (I would recommend anything by Andy Andrews), or listening to music that soothes or smoothes the soul ( I personally enjoy Michael Buble, Dean Martin, and Nora Jones for this).
"Wherefore my beloved brethren,
let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak,
slow to wrath."
James 1:19
If we will build our abilities in these areas it is my contention that we will have a richer, healthier life. You won't know until you try, so join with me this week as we put these items to the test to Make Today GREAT!
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