Wednesday, December 29, 2004

AN ALLEGORY OF PRUDENCE

Yep, I've been looking back, looking at now, and looking at the future. In his painting, "An Allegory of Prudence," 16th century Venetian artist Titian portrayed Prudence as a man with three heads. One head was of youth facing the future, another was of a mature man eyeing the present, and the third was of a wise old man gazing at the past. Over their heads Titian wrote a Latin phrase that means, "From the example of the past, the man of the present acts prudently so as not to imperil the future." With the new year right around the corner, I think we need this kind of wisdom to overcome the anxiety created by our past failures and the fear of repeating them in the future-an anxiety that keeps us from living to the fullest now. Sometimes I try to forget my past and anticipate the future. My memory hasn't been erased but I do feel more free of any guilt I may have felt from some of my past actions. I have to forgive myself, and hope that I have been forgiven by any I may have hurt, but know in my heart I have been forgiven by God. As we close the chapter of 2004, I believe with His help I will be able to live fully in the present and I will gain wisdom from the past and face the future with courage. There's a saying, can't remember where it came from but it goes "Don't ever let your bleak past overshadow a bright future." I like that. I hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful Happy New Year!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting picture. from youth to elder age. I hate to think I m getting around that picture in my life. dont like getting older and seeing those in my life i Love fading away. Now having to take care of them. Lori

Anonymous said...

Happy new year my friend. judi

Anonymous said...

Derek,
Wishing you all the love and happiness
your heart can hold this new year!
Love,
Connie

Anonymous said...

WOW!  I've missed some pretty fantastic entries.  I love that picture of you and little one at 37th Christmas.  And the Harper Plantation is nothing but AWESOME!  I love catching up on your journal.  I always find a little of this and than in your entries.  Have a blessed year, my friend.  Thank you for your caring comments.  They help so much!  Hugs and love to you and mom!  gloria

Anonymous said...

Wonderful entry!
I really appreciated this. Lots of wonder here.
V