It seems this season calls for a different tone --- there is a beckoning for us to ask more of ourselves. Today I read a tattered page in a book written by Emmet Fox nearly three-quarters of a Century past, but it seemed to be a timeless message for us all at the end of a year gone by and one soon unfolding. I share it with you as my gift.
"There is a quaint old legend that is firmly believed in the artists' colony in Paris. It appears that many years ago a poor struggling artist was so hard up that he did not have even enough money to buy a piece of canvas upon which to paint what he felt sure would be a masterpiece. Going along the quay he saw an old daub selling for a few sous, frame included. It was supposed to represent Napoleon III in full dress uniform, and doubtless had adorned some wall in the days of the Second Empire. The artist decided that he could clean off the picture and use the canvas for his own work.
Arrived home, he proceeded to remove Napoleon III, not a difficult task, and to his astonishment found that there was another picture underneath. The last artist had not even removed the original, but simply worked over it. When the last traces of Napoleon III had disappeared, the student was amazed to discover what looked to him like a very fine Corot. He promptly submitted his find to the experts and it was pronounced a genuine Corot. Of course, his days of poverty were ended."
Emmet Fox goes on to say that whether or not the story is true, it is a perfect allegory of the nature of man as we know him. Outside we the "marred image" showing the limitation, sin, sickness and in harmony; but underneath is the masterwork of the Great Artist. Through our hard work and prayers we can become more and live in harmony with all that exists. It is up to us!
What a calling to each of us in this traditional season designed for JOY. May we reach beyond our perceived limitations, aggressions, greed, ill-health and disharmony to discover the masterwork of possibilities that awaits us. May we envision a better world than we know today and act upon it with a new consciousness for the good of all. PEACE.
Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
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