Chapter One: Cosmos from Chaos
 
"It is a frightening thing to open oneself to the strange and dark side of the divine; it means letting go our sane self-control, that control which gives us the illusion of safety. But safety is only an illusion, and letting go is part of listening to the silence, and to the Spirit." (p.15)
 
This is the first quote from L'Engle's book, Walking on Water that begs me to stop and let my eyes perceive each word to savor each one more thoroughly. This book is one of the classic, revered tomes on faith and creativity that, along with other such works as Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer, has been quoted from and referred to by hundreds if not thousands of Christians in the arts. Many of them view it as not simply a handbook and source of inspiration, but a invigorating validation and encouragement of their potential as well as their craft. It is truly a joy to now be able to share reviews on each delicious chapter and hopefully read some of your comments on each.
 
She writes that her thoughts about art and her thoughts about the Creator are inseparable. (p.16) The depth and complexity of the thought left me momentarily perplexed. It will take me a few days to let it rattle around inside my cranium and settle, much like a ball in a pinball game or roulette wheel. Do you feel the same way? Why or why not? How about her comment on Leonard Bernstein's thoughts when she writes, “And it is true not only of music; all art is cosmos, cosmos found within chaos.” (p.16) She goes on to write that some modern art forms are a result of the artist only reproducing chaos instead of discovering cosmos. Do you agree or disagree with this thought? Feel free to comment about her subsequent feeling: “As far as I can see, the reproduction of chaos is neither art, nor is it Christian.” (p.16)
 
What do you think about the artist being what she terms, “a birth giver” in that it is an act of obedience to serve the work and bring it to life just as Mary was willing to carry out the will of God as the mother of Jesus? (p.18) While in some ways, the two are inconceivably different, there is a weighty reality to the responsibility our calling as artists places on us. How does this make you feel about your art?
 
Along with “enfleshing” the work, L'Engle stresses that the job of the artist is to serve the work. (p.23) I love that she writes that she has never been able to serve a work as it ought to be served, as if there is a higher, almost unattainable standard to it. (p.23) “When the artist is truly the servant of the work, the work is better than the artist...When the work takes over, then the artist listens.” She does add that this takes work. “Until I have worked through self, I will not be enabled to get out of the way.” (p.24) My own experience testifies to this truth, though many a time, I walk to the altar with the offering of my own will, only to be amazed by the fire of inspiration that God sends down as “the things of man” are consumed. The resulting piece is refined by this Holy creative fire and the result? Beyond any human effort or expectation.
 
Yes, Lord, let me be wiling to serve the work you call me to enflesh, rather than serve the empty shell of self.
 
Please feel free to share thoughts or a prayer about any of the above.