elements of scale
another thought from my latest visit to the Fort Worth Water Gardens…
on the sign at the entrance to the quiet pool area, it reads that Philip Johnson referred to Alice in Wonderland when describing the Water Garden’s design.
he created spaces where people would experience different elements of scale. like Alice in Wonderland, there are times when you will feel small against the surroundings and others when you would feel large in comparison.
elements of scale add wonder to our life.
so often in our day to day experiences we live ina “we are big” world – we control and get what we want. i control my tv, i get my food when i want it, i go where i want, i have it my way. these all feed our ego perspective of greatness. they also lead to pride, ingratitude, selfishness, and cruelty.
it is healthy at times to place ourselves in spaces that remind us of our smallness.
the architects of cathedrals long ago sought to create spaces that were overwhelming, intimidating, and created a sense of the grandeur and size of God. they also created a sense of smallness for those who visited. perspective came with the experience.
when we intentionally place ourselves in moments of smallness it remind us of scale.
- when i serve someone
- when i sit in silence before God
- when i pray orsing to God
- when i express gratefulness to others
- when i act on truth from Scripture
- when i forgive someone
- when i confess my sins
- when i’m honest about my heart
- when i’m vulnerable with others
- when i humble myself before others
where are the physical places you go that remind you of your smallness?
what are the moments you intentionally place yourself into to experience smallness?
Tags: fort worth water gardens, philip johnson, scale
