Every year we invite artists of all background to join us at our place in France for a time of conversation, work, prayer, inspiration, food, wine, and fun. I’m always amazed at how little it takes to refresh, encourage, and inspire each other. Too often we reflect only what is thrown at us. We reflect it on others through our art and our lives. That is, of course, part of the work of an artist. However, when we only see the negative or don’t conscientiously seek the positive our reactions in our lives and work become narrow and (too often) negative.

In one week, as we sat around eating, drinking, sharing, encouraging, inspiring, and creating – all of us opened like flowers to the warmth of the sun. The life-concept of Jesus seems so alien and unrealistic at times, but it so important for art and life. Give and it will come back to you. Don’t respond in like kind, but give a blessing in response to a curse. This is so difficult at times, but we see over and over that what we dwell upon is what we will end up reflecting.

During this past week it was great to be reminded that these strange ideas of the bohemian Messiah really work. Seek the positive. Be a particle of light. Give and it will come back to you. Laugh, smile, cry, dance. This is the only life you have – live it abundantly.