cross streams: watercolour on paper
This is a watercolour painting I did from a photo of myself meditating beside a stream in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York. I was about to be ordained into the ministry. It was a heavy time for me. Notice that the three trees are actually three crosses.
Which pretty much describes my 25 plus years of pastoral ministry.
I had no idea what I was in for. Or did I? I remember the anguish I went through before my ordination. Even my friends were exasperated with me because of my niggling doubts. They advised me to just shut up and buck up… go through with it and question it later.
Would I have changed anything? I don’t really know how to answer that question. Would I do it again? If I had a choice I would probably say no. But I wouldn’t exchange all that I experienced for anything else.
If I am asked on the last day, “Was it worth it?“, I would definitely respond, “Yes, absolutely.”
You can acquire my original art and prints HERE.
My name is David Hayward, and I am the nakedpastor. I am a graffiti artist on the walls of religion.
Life is a series of choices and prices. The older we get the fewer the choices and the higher the prices.
Wow. This is really very beautifully done. Thanks for sharing!
Sometimes, we get swept away. Sometimes, we cross to the other side. I guess I am still mid-stream. It could go either way.
What a special post this is. My husband and I just enjoyed it together and wanted to say thank you.
Very poignant especially with the back story. Don’t know if you intended the darkness to light imagery or being improperly dressed/unprepared for a water crossing but that’s what I see. Thanks for your openness.
thanks lydia!
Beautiful work, David.
Thanks for sharing it.