Hey Matt. I really enjoyed reading your reflections today. It made me think of something C.S. Lewis once wrote beautifully,
“The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we entrust ourselves to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things—the beauty, the memory of our own past—are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself they turn into simple idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.” C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory (1942)
I hope this is an encouragement to continue as you are, in looking through the painting to the beauty it was meant to image. The truer Isa (the name of Jesus in Arabic) has been the greatest gift of my life. The God who cared to condescend, to be with us, to forgive, to love us. The loftiest story in all literature, He beckons us all come and rest.
Matt, thank you for reminding us to be grateful for the little things in life, the people and conversations we get to have, not that we have to have. Loneliness and isolation are epidemics in the world right now, especially for the elderly and the chronically ill. Much love ❤️
Sometimes older generations have a different perspective on life, and sometimes being able to take that step back from our own perspective is such a calming, useful thing... It is like a point of reference when life feels like waves, the elderly can sometimes serve as anchors through life's turbulence.
I've been thinking that somewhere in the world is someone who lives on a remote island with no internet and they are probably the happiest person on earth because they are not constantly bombarded with the doom and gloom stories that we hear about the world every day. They just live in the moment and probably do a lot of fishing.
Your perspective is powerful though to be able to see pain and turn that into gratitude.
Yep, reminds me of this Duncan Trussell quote: “Some poor, phoneless fool is probably sitting next to a waterfall somewhere totally unaware of how angry and scared he’s supposed to be."
I love this so much. I just sent this to our daughter who is a petite 5 foot 22 year old and also called ISA. Your description of your 91 your old friend reminded me of her. What a joy for you to have a ISA in your life. I am sure you are such a blessing to her too. Spending time with older folks is truly so important. There is so much to learn from them.
When speaking with grandparents, it amazes me how they can focus on the one bright spot in the day and have that make their day. As adults, we tend to do the opposite. The one negative consumes our thoughts and emotions. Grandparents have an ability to ground us in the positive present.
Hey Matt. I really enjoyed reading your reflections today. It made me think of something C.S. Lewis once wrote beautifully,
“The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we entrust ourselves to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things—the beauty, the memory of our own past—are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself they turn into simple idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.” C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory (1942)
I hope this is an encouragement to continue as you are, in looking through the painting to the beauty it was meant to image. The truer Isa (the name of Jesus in Arabic) has been the greatest gift of my life. The God who cared to condescend, to be with us, to forgive, to love us. The loftiest story in all literature, He beckons us all come and rest.
Love, Alex
Thank you Matt! Today is undefinable, it’s all we got
Matt, thank you for reminding us to be grateful for the little things in life, the people and conversations we get to have, not that we have to have. Loneliness and isolation are epidemics in the world right now, especially for the elderly and the chronically ill. Much love ❤️
Appreciate you as always, Alyssa <3
Matt - like this a lot.
What's the organization that connected you and Isa?
I want to know this too :)
https://www.amigosdelosmayores.org/ca/ :)
Hey dude! Yep, here ya go: https://www.amigosdelosmayores.org/ca/.
They're great :)
I bet it's good Spanish practice :)
That was a great thing to read, thanks Matt!
Thanks so much Rubén <3
Thanks for this lovely reminder, Matt ! And to be grateful to be healthy & being able to walk !! 🤗❤️ x
Sometimes older generations have a different perspective on life, and sometimes being able to take that step back from our own perspective is such a calming, useful thing... It is like a point of reference when life feels like waves, the elderly can sometimes serve as anchors through life's turbulence.
Yeeees! Let´s do the artist way together! So hyped for this as I did it a few years back and it is time to do it again ◡̈
This was very wholesome and heartwarming to read. Thank you for sharing <3
I've been thinking that somewhere in the world is someone who lives on a remote island with no internet and they are probably the happiest person on earth because they are not constantly bombarded with the doom and gloom stories that we hear about the world every day. They just live in the moment and probably do a lot of fishing.
Your perspective is powerful though to be able to see pain and turn that into gratitude.
Yep, reminds me of this Duncan Trussell quote: “Some poor, phoneless fool is probably sitting next to a waterfall somewhere totally unaware of how angry and scared he’s supposed to be."
Great quote. I'll be sharing that one.
I’m gonna say this again , there is so much light radiating from you .
D'awww, sending you tons of love Daneeka!
love this musing. it’s so true that cities can be a balm to our souls as much as nature. the craving for both is so real.
This was a lovely and insightful read. Thank you.
Un abrazo a ti, Maria <3
Gracias! Un abrazo a ti también, Matt! ☺️
Loved this!
Thanks Vesna :)
I love this so much. I just sent this to our daughter who is a petite 5 foot 22 year old and also called ISA. Your description of your 91 your old friend reminded me of her. What a joy for you to have a ISA in your life. I am sure you are such a blessing to her too. Spending time with older folks is truly so important. There is so much to learn from them.
Haha I feel like these Isas would be good friends!
When speaking with grandparents, it amazes me how they can focus on the one bright spot in the day and have that make their day. As adults, we tend to do the opposite. The one negative consumes our thoughts and emotions. Grandparents have an ability to ground us in the positive present.