WASHING

Remember Gorey Castle!

Our current virtual art class topic is 'Flowers in detail in the landscape' focussing on a beautiful iris.

I made a complete hash of this. My tutor commented: "If you were in mind to return to the subject it might be possible to lift out some of the colour from the flower head and to introduce more variation within the leaf colouring. I would not be offended if you decided to call it a day. Just think of the Gorey Castle painting (on which he commented most favourably). But seriously , you could recall the session a while ago using the technique of putting the painting in a bowl of water and washing away some of the colour. Then let it dry and return with some gentle colour. I am sure you would be pleasantly surprised."

I did. And I am. !!!

Which reminded me that there's quite a bit about washing in the Bible. Here are just two quotes:

Psalm 51:1 "Have mercy on me O God because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. ….. v.12 Restore to me again the joy of your salvation."

John 13:5 "Jesus now showed his disciples the full extent of his love … so he got up from the table and began to wash his disciples' feet. … Since I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet."

There's quite a bit about washing our hands during the current pandemic but I leave you to consider the implications of that. Nor do we forget the millions in our world who lack clean water – for drinking, washing and cooking.

So it is a blessing and benediction to read of the river of the water of life (Revelation 22:1) where the trees yield fruit and whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Lord, let this happen in and through our lives too.