Damaged Goods

Over the last two days the stomach rumbling has started back up.  It isn't too terribly uncomfortable but kind of embarrassing when I'm sitting in close quarters between two classmates. 

My energy level continues to be high.  In fact, I enjoyed an hour-long workout on the elliptical tonight...ironically, while watching the Food Network. 

I wanted to share with you an interesting insight from today.  The heavily damaged tempera painting below was found by accident in 1919 in a dilapidated woodshed near Zvenigorod, Russia.

The artist was Andrei Rublev who lived in the 13th century and contributed works of art to cathedrals in that area.  He is particularly well-known for his depiction of the Holy Trinity.

When you look at Rublev's interpretation of Jesus, what you initially see is the damage--the missing top of the head due to rotted wood, jagged "scars" throughout the face and neck, the hole in the throat, chipped and flaked paint that distorts shapes and colors. 

However, when you start looking past the damage, you start noticing some of the genius of Rublev.  Look, for instance, at that very small mouth. 

Jesus spent lots of time simply being quiet.  In fact, he often instructed others to do the same!  He chose his words carefully and was often misunderstood.  When accused and tried for the crime of heresy, he remained largely silent rather than spewing out a panicky defense.  Often, we are told in the New Testament, Jesus sought time to be alone, be quiet, and pray.

In continuing to observe the painting, you will also be taken by the eyes.  Jesus certainly doesn't look rested here, does he?  The dark circles illuminate the toll that Jesus' ministry took on his physical body.  He was, after all, fully human (as well as fully divine).  There were many demands upon his time and energy from the moment his ministry began. 

Notice that his body seems to be walking by you...but it seems you have caught his attention.  He has stopped and turned his head to see you and hear from you.  His eyebrows are lifted as if he is anticipating your greeting...your questions...your needs.  He is looking at you.

As a non-artistic person, if I had walked by this painting hanging on a wall, the rotted wood and damage would've made me wonder why in the world it was kept.  And I would've kept walking. 

And I would've missed it.

But by looking deeper, listening to my teacher, acknowledging the talent of the artist, and understanding the symbolism, I developed an appreciation for this great work of art that was created in Christ's image.

Everyday we walk by damaged goods and don't take notice.  In actuality, we are all damaged goods...some being more damaged than others. 

But if you look closely, if you listen, acknowledge the genius of their creator, and take time to understand them...you just might find that you can appreciate these damaged people that were created in Christ's image.