Easter Inspiration

Easter Inspiration April 11, 2009

I was delighted to hear this today on the radio.

Stained Glass Artist Lets The Light Through At Last

I found myself touched by the humility and wonder of this 84 year old man, Rowan LeCompte. He has spent his life creating windows that give many onlookers a sense of awe, and perhaps even a feeling of God. But when asked if he believed in God, he answered that he believes in love and kindness and the rest he just doesn’t know.

When Scott Simon suggested his work was similar to that of the Bible for illuminating these stories he kindly replied that he doesn’t yell at people or tell them they’re bad or going to hell. In a remark reminiscent to the Buddhist story of the soldier and the monk Hakuin (thoughtfully related by Gary at Buddha Space), LaCompte said there is no hell other than that which we create on Earth.

If you have a free 10 minutes today or tomorrow have a seat and listen to this interview.

A couple of the comments from the NPR site sum up well what you will find:

What a pleasure it was for my 94-year-old father and I to listen to your interview with Mr. LeCompte. His gentleness and transparency are reflective of his beautiful windows. A word of comfort to him: God is love and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him.- 1John 4:16b, ff 17-21. Thank you, Mr. LeCompte, for the beauty and joy.

There have been many stories of NPR that had led to fits of laughter, tears, and anger; for a beginning. This brief story falls among those which unexpectedly prompted a number of emotions and feelings of profound gratitude for your work. I will no doubt go out the door this morning just a little more cognizant of the existence of the divine in my everyday life and my responsibility for the well-being of others.

May we all live with such simple joie de vivre, in this and every day.


Browse Our Archives

Follow Us!