ELEVATING THE ORDINARY

I never tire of the repetitive column design of the Great Lakes elevators by the waters of Georgian Bay. Its simplicity and stately form reflects the beautiful sunsets for many to behold. While composing this piece, I got a strong sense of the blessing that comes from ‘work’. This building’s purpose is to hold grain that is imported and exported. Sometimes full and sometimes empty, yet the grain is always on the move. And its job was to hold it and to let it go. Work is like that. This process is similar to tasks we do on a daily basis. Making food, cleaning clothes, caring for children/family, paying bills, etc. all are related in some way to work that needs to again and again. We tend to think they get overlooked, or that they aren’t as important as other things we do in life. That just isn’t true. They are foundational. Sacrificial. Work gives distinction and understanding to what is Rest. The history of these Great Lakes elevators is quite a story of perseverance. (And like every story, when there are people involved, conflict and harmony is found.) At one point in history the elevators had great purpose, but as time went on, other waterways proved to be better, lessening its need. I was reminded through this little history lesson that God’s purposes are eternal and even when circumstances change things in life, I loosen my grip to this world and hold fast to Jesus. He is that perfected work and rest unified. This painting defines that for me. The contrasting of colours and limited colour palette really brings all the elements (sky, buildings, land and water) together. And as we take time to view each part and appreciate how it impacts the whole, we see beauty in new places. Many thanks to the photographer from @greybruceexplorer who posted an image of these elevators that inspired this painting.