Trawlers

Came across this painting while being seated at a delicious water front restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina. Fishing trawlers lined-up in neat rows.

Found it to be a stunning representation of the Atlantic seaboard. The vivid colors, obscured details, and masts raised high beckoned me to look closer at this idyllic setting. The un-named artist created a maritime timeless image…may not be Fine Art, but it is eye catching and soothing to the soul.

Too many words spoil the effect…kind of like over-analyzing Simone Biles decision to pull-out of the remaining women’s gymnastic Olympic competition. I try to imagine the emotional pressure she has been under while performing flawlessly until…

Cannot relate to being the best at anything so this kind of stress is unfamiliar. However, there are other life stressors which exact similar reactions, as most of us have experienced to one degree or another. Hopefully, we garner the kind of help she is receiving. It is very encouraging to witness the support from coaches and teammates.

Masts up ! The sun shines even after the fiercest storms.

Slow Burn

IMG_1913.JPG

Fire is such an amazing thing to watch…it is almost mesmerizing. The way flames dance and embers burn red hot is exciting to view. The heat generated from fire warms the body while the light illuminates the darkness. Even the crackling of moist wood has a surreal effect upon the soul.

I entitled this post “Slow Burn” for a reason.

Too often we run to conclusions, race to say things we will regret, boil over with anger over big or little matters, become defensive when we take words said innocently but deemed hurtful, react to situations negatively without thinking things through, succumb to bad peer pressure, seek revenge over trivial stuff, and the list goes on and on.

IMG_1910.JPG

The “Slow Burn” is just the opposite when it comes to how we react to life’s situations. I’ll be the first to admit that life can dish out a lot of painful garbage. I will also admit that watching a lazy fire burn is soothing to the soul.

It calms the nerves. It makes us forget, at least momentarily, that life isn’t so bad after-all. Relaxation sets in and the cares of this life just burn away with each flicker of flame. The warmth produced burrows deep within and holds us fast to what is good and right. Fires can rage, but eventually they diminish and extinguish. Our lives are like that, too.

Wouldn’t we rather live in the state in between where the fire burns slow and the embers are hot? Where blame has no room and guilt has long melted away? Revenge is dropped and egos fall apart among the glow? That is how I want to live. And, you?