Sunday, May 27, 2012

Lessons from a Fungus

Why on earth did God make fungus? You know, I never asked that question when I took this picture a few years ago. I was completely enamored by it, and spent an inordinate amount of time photographing it. I was a little nervous when a police officer pulled up next to me, thinking "here we go again"...I thought maybe someone called thinking I might need some intervention! He just wanted to know what kind of camera I had. He thought the fungus was riveting too.
My haunting question has returned. Now that I am facing some potential time to make art again, it has barreled down on me with renewed vigor. What is the purpose? Why is it so important to put marks on a canvas? What is the eternal value? How can you justify the time spent doing that instead of something more altruistic and worthwhile? And on and on. Relentless. This time, I have my ammo ready.
I look at this fungus photo...unlikely when I took it that it would be of any use or value to me. But do you know what? There are answers that God gave me in this experience that I did not know I would need today. He knew. And it is just this simple...
When I look at these mushroomy things, or any other odd thing that God created, sometimes I ask "what was He thinking when he made this?? Why did He make this?" The only answer that satisfies me is "just because He wanted to". And when I look at this wierd invention of His, I see Him behind it...thinking it up, maybe laughing as He anticipated our reaction...God of the universe making stuff with relish, and joy, and love. He can't not create. That is who He is.
Made in His image, I create. Just because. And it's gotta be ok to not understand the ultimate purpose, maybe ever. It's just gotta be ok to want to put marks on canvas, and trust that my spirit that is joined with His Spirit is just a responder to the joy that is reflected in all of His creation.

2 comments:

  1. When I read this, the first thing that came to mind was when Mary broke the alabaster jar of perfume to bathe Jesus' feet. Some people might say it wasn't worth it, but she honored him in the highest way she could imagine. And God sees your heart too!
    So cool!

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    1. Thank you for reading and commenting! And I know it is not a coincidence that my devotional reading this morning was about that very story! I love it when that happens.
      I will be sure to visit your site too!

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