“Landscape of the Soul”

     A new friend of ours who is an artist was giving a presentation at a Jesuit Retreat Center about painting with water colors. I wanted to attend the evening presentation to support Jan, my artist friend, but other than what she told me about the event really didn’t know what to expect.

     When I called to make a reservation, I was informed that part of the time would be spent outdoors. Outdoors on a November evening in Michigan? Really? Yes, it was part of a series: “Outside Reflections.” This particular one was called “Landscape of the Soul.” The registrar’s advice was to wear plenty of layers of clothes! 

     It was already getting chilly when Al dropped me off at the retreat center at 6:00 pm. One of the people in charge of the event greeted me and gave directions to a large meeting room. It was a surprise to discover that about sixty other people had also signed up for the mini retreat.

     After going around the room and introducing ourselves, one of the leaders explained that the plan for that evening was to reflect upon the meaning of the word “soul” and the “state” of our souls. A good topic for reflection, especially since I had been feeling tired, frazzled and a little out of sync.

     First would be the time of outside reflection, where the participants could walk around the expansive grounds before gathering at the outdoor fire pit. Then we would go inside for dinner, Jan’s watercolor presentation and a final gathering back in the meeting room.  

     When we were dismissed to walk around the grounds, a series of large granite plaques along a walkway caught my attention... the Stations of the Cross. Each station portrayed a scene in the last hours of Jesus’ life, from the trial before Pontius Pilate to Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Focusing on His love and sacrifice for me put things in better perspective. Peace started to replace anxiety. 

     Many large oaks dotted the grounds, most of which were losing their leaves. There was a nature trail leading up a slope and into an area dense with shrubs and trees, and a pond surrounded by cattails. The landscape reminded me of our former home in Springville...oaks, evergreens, a pond and even a weeping willow tree growing on the edge of the creek.

     As we gathered around the fire pit to think more about this word, “soul,” the old weeping willow tree stood directly across from us, its bare branches bending down to the water. One of the leaders commented that there had originally been three willows, dubbed the “Three Sisters,” but that this was the lone survivor.

     The weeping willow tree resurfaced later after dinner when we went downstairs to hear Jan’s presentation and were given the opportunity to paint. Jan encouraged us to express our feelings and not worry about mistakes. Accidental drops of paint could be incorporated into the picture, just as in life.

     Water was brushed onto the paper first. Then a thick wet brush was dabbed into dark brown paint for the trunk and branches and rinsed off before applying green for leaves, blue for sky and creek. Soon there was a semblance of the old willow standing at water’s edge. The colors ran together resulting in a blurry scene, kind of like my world, my future. A dab of black resulted in a gaping hole in the willow’s trunk. After all, it was very old and most likely on its way out! And for interest, two fuzzy black squirrels played around the base of the tree.

     The time at the retreat center was cathartic, breathing new life and hope into my soul, redirecting my attention back to God. It felt good to walk outdoors, appreciating His handiwork in nature and also remembering what Jesus did for me on the cross. Painting the willow helped express my feelings, maybe even some homesickness for our little ranch in Springville, California.

     Dear Lord, Help me, help us to always be grateful for your faithfulness...past, present and future! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:2-5 NIV

(These photos are from the Manresa Jesuit Retreat center website. A very beautiful place)