Norman Rockwell is known throughout the world for his optimistic and affectionate portraits of life. His world on canvas depicted real people, friends, neighbors and family, doing real things. During his 84 years, he painted over 300 covers for the Saturday Evening Post. Most people were drawn to his art because it reminded them of the goodness of life. Rockwell once stated, “I paint life as I would like it to be.”
Rockwell could have concentrated on scenes of sorrow and moments of misery for he did not live in a trouble free world. His canvas could have been colored with conflict and despair. Certainly such hopeless hues could be found–both then and now. Yet, Rockwell chose to look for the good, the kind, and the simple and happy moments that make life worth living.
Think what would happen if we choose to paint, in our mind’s eye, life as we would like it to be. We might find more love, more friendship, more encouragement, and more forgiveness, because we are looking for it. Perhaps we would appreciate more of the simple pleasures, small gestures, and gentle remarks that are directed our way. Some might say that this “rose-colored” view of life is not realistic. But beautiful things happen even on terrible days, and joy can be discovered even in the sadness of life. Norman Rockwell reassured people of their own essential goodness. And that is a very powerful thing.
We, too, can paint life as we’d like it to be. And the more we look, the more goodness we will find: and the more “life as we would like it to be” will become life as it really is. And that is a very powerful thing. In the midst of tsunamis, terrorist attacks, and violence in our neighborhoods, how good it is to know that God still holds the reins of the world. In the meantime do all you can to make this world a better place and then lay your heads to rest at night in peace.
Go with God!
Pastor Qualley
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