This morning I awoke with an email in my inbox from my husband. He sent me a link to a 2000 pc Ravensburger puzzle on Amazon, entitled "Wolves in the Snow". I was amazed by the beauty of the picture. The print is called Wolves in the Snow. As I looked at the detail and the different elements in the picture, my mind went to yesterday's reflection and I was somewhat conflicted. I wondered if I was odd that I couldn't grasp the significance or inspiration behind the artwork of Barnet Newman. I felt like my mind was drifting back to the story of "The Emperor's New Clothes" again. Am I supposed to be like the crowd and fall into amazement at the lack of artistry? Maybe the lack is what is important, but I can't find it beautiful. So this morning my husband's email was timely. He sent me an affirmation that someone understands what I find beautiful, because he finds it beautiful.
I was looking for my next 2000 pc puzzle, and it came in the form of a beautiful gift and gesture from someone who is trying to make me happy in this journey of life that provides so much sadness. So as I work on this puzzle, I will hold him in my heart and embrace the beauty and inspiration that reaches my heart and let go of the stuff that doesn't.
I don't want to pretend to get something out of these AFL readings when in reality some of them fly way over my head. Authentic Lent is exactly that... Authentic. So I will leave the Newman art for others to find space for and inspiration on their journey. I won't deny them that experience. But I am back to my wilderness pictures and my "Give me Bob Ross" conclusion. And I don't have to feel alone in my passion because the person I love the most in this world, shares it with me.
