Attentiveness 2

Sometimes a piece of art opens up a fuller world and if we are attentive we can hear God speaking. Tracy Balzer, author of A Listening Life, tells of a time in New Haven at a conference, when she found some time alone, entered a gallery where van Gogh’s “Starry Night” was on display. After the image, a few words from Tracy.

Tracy: “Through van Gogh’s brushstrokes, I saw the world as quiet, still, while God above was the busy one. By contrast, our modern earthly existence is too often chaotic, a frenzy of activity, while we imagine God resting placidly in the vacuum of space with not much more to do than wait, unswervingly patient for us to give him the time of day. Harried earth below, serene skies above.”

“‘Starry Night’ gives a different vision, one that is both perceptive and biblical. In van Gogh’s village, the people are still, and God above is active, vigorous, and creative. In van Gogh’s colorful skies we see the glory and power of a God who works in ways that allows the villagers to rest.”