Twenty four hours is a long time in the life of a rose in a vase. The opening bud (left) of this "White Gold" flower was rescued from the heavy rain yesterday. This morning it was sprayed with fresh water in its now fully open glory. White Gold grows just beside the front door and creates a beautiful scent in the evenings as you come towards the house.
The title "Yesterday, today..." reminded me of the verse from Hebrews, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever." (13:8) In a world where there is uncertainty and change it is good to remember that our foundation is firm and unshakeable. No matter what we face we do it in the knowledge that we are not alone. The one who comforted the bereaved, healed the sick, provided for various needs is the same who is with us today.
Flowers are here for a day or two and give pleasure but then fade and die.
Jesus Christ calls us into relationship with him that goes on in all eternity.
Saint Columba's Day reminds us of our call to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ wherever we are sent.
Some years ago I wrote out a quotation from Saint Columba which is now framed and hanging in the breakfast room. It reads, "In the silence of my heart I can hear his will. I am but a servant who is guided by the King when I stand alone and listen."
For anyone interested in the technique, I used two colours - a yellow and a blue - and added both to washes on wet paper. Crumpled cling film was placed on top and it was left to dry.
Then, the same two colours were mixed in precise proportions, 6:0, 5:1, 4:2, 3:3, 2:4, 1:5 and 0:6. These seven pots were used consecutively to do the Italic writing so that a smooth transition from one shade to the next could be achieved. Calligraphy is a very satisfying discipline even if it does take a great deal of practice!
O God, you called your servant Columba
from among the princes of this land
to be a herald and evangelist of your kingdom:
Grant that your Church, remembering his faith and courage,
may so proclaim the splendour of your grace
that people everywhere will come to know your Son
as their Saviour, and serve him as their King;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Collect of Saint Columba's Day
3 comments:
Beautiful photos of the rose and its progression.
I like your calligraphy Elizabeth.
I was a professional calligrapher for about 15 years, but gave it up.
Wedding Invitations, Scrolls, letters, name tags. Illumination was my favourite, but very time comsuming.
Too much pressure to get the job done & perfectly so.
I sometimes still do it for myself & I still have my pens.
(I had a hand operation 2 years ago & have had a few problems writing properly since then).
Not done much with illumination except some simple gold leaf work. Do enjoy it but the pressure on things like scrolls is too much.... and deadlines don't help the quality of the work. Enjoyed doing the pieces for my exams but didn't take it any higher as not enough time to practice.... would need a while to get back into it but have all my pens and "stuff".... someday....?!!
I know what you mean.
There are so many other things to do too.
Time is the thing :D
Post a Comment