The Phoenix, from The Book of Beasts:
The phoenix is a bird of Arabia and is unique in all the world. It lives for more than 500 years, acquiring knowledge of all things.
When it feels its age coming upon it, the phoenix builds a nest for itself of frankincense and myrrh as well as other spices. The morning sun ignites the nest and the bird flaps its wings, fanning the flames, until it is consumed entirely by the fire.
Nine days later it rises from its own ashes and begins its life anew.
“I lay down my life, that I may take it up again. No man taketh it away from me: but I lay it down of myself, and I have power to lay it down: and I have power to take it up again.” (John 10:17-18)
In our own lives it is sometimes necessary to re-create ourselves, to rid ourselves of baggage of the past, habits and attitudes that are holding us back from achieving our dreams and goals. Sometimes the only way for us move into the future is to let go of the past.
We are responsible for living our lives the way we want to live. Like the phoenix we can re-create ourselves and start a new life, always working towards our goals, learning along the way what we need to know to create the life we have always wanted to live.
Live gloriously.
“The Phoenix,” 5″ x 8″ mixed media. This original painting can be purchased in the store.