Values Of The Heart
By Carolyn Kenney
When you look at a picture, what do you see? Through a painting,
sculpture or photograph, the artist portrays his feelings about
a certain subject or scene. His emotions reach from deep within
and transmit into his work. Can you feel the emotion he is
trying to depict? From that piece of art, do you have a sense of
happiness or sadness? Do you feel calm or angry? Is the piece
one of darkness or light?
A tremendous amount of the artist goes into his or her work;
hours upon hours are devoted to this piece. God, who has created
each person in His image and likeness, has devoted - given -
some of Himself to your creation. "Before I formed you in the
womb I knew you" These words are found in the Book of the
Prophet Jeremiah. God knew us before He formed us in our
mother's womb. He knew our personality and the path we would
chose in later life. We are each a child of God, a unique
masterpiece of His creation. Yet, we are ignoring Him and seem
to focus only on our individual self. Where is the family, which
is the core of society? What is happening to our children who
represent the future? Why do children worry about their own
safety either at school or as they return home? Many unsettling
incidents occur throughout our country on a weekly basis,
thereby causing this fear to escalate.
Life was so simple when you and I were young. However, our
values - the values of our parents - were much different. We
spent time together with family and friends. Playing outside
with neighborhood children - using our minds creatively yet
harmlessly - was fun and led to cherished memories later in
life. Home cooked meals, instead of fast food restaurants, were
delicious. Many older people today have wonderful memories; they
are truly blessed. The pace of life we now lead is much too
fast. An unnecessary amount of emphasis is placed on material
items and their absolute necessity in our lives. However, are
they really a necessity? We need to slow down and teach our
children the true and lasting values of life - those that are
felt not with the pocketbook, but with the heart.
Ms. Kenney has written weekly articles for her church
bulletin for over four years.
Some of these reflections developed into a short devotional book
titled "Meditations of the Heart."
Her interest is devotional and children's writing.
Her website is http://www.myspace.com/carolyn8390
