Seeing is Hard · Edition #14 · Deepening our Christianity


Deepening our Christianity

the Monday Newsletter of Paul Prins

Edition #14 · 14 August 2023

Blessings Reader,

Seeing is Hard

I remember it clearly. The theater was dark in the fine arts building. The light from the slides reflected off the screen at the front of the room. Our faces illuminated by our laptop screens. Most of us frantically taking notes, or messages each other jokes about the art we were being shown. In the midst of all this, I learn a lesson I’ll never forget, and will never master.

Seeing is hard. We only notice what we've learned to see. Observing is incredibly difficult.

At the time, my professor had a slide he had taken of a Renaissance painting in front of us. He had asked us what we noticed. We were quick to notice the emotions of their faces, the flowing of their clothes, or the environment they were in.

None of us noticed the shape the three main figures had created (a triangle). None of us noticed the use of one primary colors per main figure's clothing. None of us noticed the greens were crisp and vibrant. We didn’t know enough to see the innovations being done in this painting, and in its time. Our lack of training and experience made us blind to what was before our eyes.

It’s hard to see. To see changes that come to us slowly is hard. To see back across generations is hard. To see into the future is hard. To see ourselves in humility and honesty is hard.

To see and still love may be the hardest of all.

The one who has eyes to see, let them see.

Until Next Week

Posted since the last Edition

Prayer of a Poor Person in Need:
Translating Psalm 86

Amidst being attacked by arrogant and violent people, our psalmist turns to God. They appeal to his mercy, strength, and glory. Even in the midst of being overwhelmed by their attackers, they reassert their trust in God.

Homily & a Coffee:
Humility and the Transfiguration of Jesus

Unpublished Photo for this Edition

Curated Goods just for You

Sharing what I've come across from around the internet that may encourage or help you.

  • The Weight of the Unspoken Word ~5 Minutes
    We have made a lot of progress in western society in talking about mental health and depression. Yet, we still struggle to ask, say, or acknowledge suicide. This is not a religious piece, but it resonated with me 21+ years after my last suicide attempt.

A Prayer for the Week to Come

Lord, your ways, wisdom, and sight are far beyond our own. With your gentleness, loving kindness, and compassion help us. Help us to see ourselves, your word, your Church, and your creation with greater clarity. As we see more, give us hearts that won’t falter, but abound in love as you do.

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