La Ultima Cena

1498, I can barely remember the day. Its early afternoon. I had been binge drinking. It’s become a way of life. There was not much else that interested me. There was all the fuss, all of which was not very clear to me at the time. I do remember clearly the offer of a few silver coins. "That should tie me over for a few days" I thought, "most importantly, the alley ways would no longer be my shelter and the sidewalks no longer my pillow at night".

Little had I known that he, Leonardo, would become the greatest artist of his time. He ordered his assistants to help me out of the gutter. "This wretched creature would be perfect; his face would represent the most treacherous man ever" he told his helpers. Back at his studio, I was ordered to take a bath and given a change of clothing. The bath sobered me a bit. What is this? I asked. The artist responded saying "La Ultima Cena (The Last Supper)". "You should feel honoured", he continued, "The entire religious faith is based on this scene". "You will represent the most treacherous man in history". "Even his name, Judas, meaning "Praised One" bears testimony to the man he was meant be".

Later that evening the artist completed his work. My senses were intact. I became more aware of my surroundings. I recognized the giant easel, I had seen it before. "I was here before master; you summoned me three years ago". The artist came closer and gasped in amazement, "You were my model for Jesus three years ago, and you were a member of the cathedral’s choir. But your face, the innocence, from it I was able to capture salvation itself".

"How is it possible?". "How could that which epitomises goodness itself, digress to represent evil?".

Dear LORD, I have almost faltered...again

I wrote recently of my impending career "change". Well, it has just dawned on me that I cannot, under the current circumstances make that move...at least, not just yet. But in life as in love, I was, as many of you, just chomping at the bit, to move onto something new. If matters persist, then I would be leaving with a lot of baggage and many disgruntled colleagues. The one thing you do not want to take into a new job is baggage. For one, it closes the door behind you. Even if you have no intention of returning, you would not want to leave under those circumstances. I often quip those famous words, "I'LL BE BACK". But that is all it will be, if I leave with matters unattended. So my new adventure would be delayed somewhat, so that I could be fair and live up to my end of the "deal". The new adventure is yours and if you want to enjoy it completely, you would want the well wishes of those you have for so long had part of your life. Those who will be part of your new adventure would have to be fair and allow you to do justice to the life you once depended on. You have been down that road before, you know where it leads, so tread cautiously and GODSPEED

Life is like an oil painting

Is it not amazing how you can see the absolute beauty in something whereas someone else cannot. I have just been blessed with the opportunity to bear witness again to HIS amazing greatness. I was standing at the HEADS in Knysna and taking in the beautiful vista. Next to me stood an elderly gentleman and his female companion. He kept telling her that he really could not see what the fuss is all about and they should rather just continue their journey. She protested saying she wants to enjoy the view. Therein lies the rub - we experience the same thing differently with some of us able to see the beauty of it and others not. We also experience people in the same way - some of us are able to see the beauty and value whereas others not. Even worse when we, for some reason, tend to ignore, or overlook, or deny the value of someone and set forth to influence others to feel the same way we do. Travesty, you say - I agree. So take in that oil painting - someone has taken the time and effort to share with you his talent. Take in that vista, the POTTER has moulded it for you to enjoy and better still, to be aware of what HE is capable of. God Bless and take care

Monday - the day I live for

Friday I wrote that I get to be an academic. Well I have been one for 3 and a half years. But I was more of a "pseudo-academic" since it was not my main focus. I enjoyed it so much that I decided that IT must be my calling - to guide the learning of others, to influence the thoughts of others. Was a disastrous weekend of sorts. But being weekend and the time we start to think of our Creator - Friday for some, for others Saturday and Sundays, I was reminded of a question I was once asked and the following answer was appropriate and I wish to share it with you:

GOD IS IN THE SLUMS, IN THE CARDBOARD BOXES WHERE THE POOR PLAY HOUSE. GOD IS IN THE SILENCE OF A MOTHER WHO HAS INFECTED HER CHILD WITH A VIRUS THAT WILL END BOTH THEIR LIVES. GOD IS IN THE CRIES HEARD UNDER THE RUBBLE OF WAR. GOD IS IN THE DEBRIS OF WASTED OPPORTUNITY AND LIVES, AND GOD IS WITH US IF WE ARE WITH THEM. “IF YOU REMOVE THE YOKE FROM YOUR MIDST, THE POINTING OF THE FINGER AND SPEAKING WICKEDNESS, AND IF YOU GIVE YOURSELF TO THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE DESIRE OF THE AFFLICTED, THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL RISE IN DARKNESS, AND YOUR GLOOM WILL BECOME LIKE MIDDAY AND THE LORD WILL CONTINUALLY GUIDE YOU AND SATISFY YOUR DESIRE IN SCORCHED PLACES” (ISAIAH 58: 9-11)

Another Friday

Friday, 6 July 2007, 2.30 pm. Not overly excited about Fridays, especially since we're never more than 6 days away from the weekend. The good thing is, I am getting closer to my move to the Faculty of Informatics and Design on 1 August 2007, so yippeee! I do, however have the unenviable weekend task of having to grade almost 150 exam scripts and don't mention the assignments.

I am excited about my move, though. I get to fulfill my dream of being an academic, so all praise to my Creator for bestowing such a blessing upon me, one of so many which I feel is undeserved, but I will appreciate, cherish and do all that would make my Father proud of me. I do, however have to now trek at least 20 k's to the centre of Cape Town.

I have also started, in earnest to fulfill the role of Project Manager for the Student Administration System. Its in the planning stage, but that's where all the work happens and ultimately where success is determined. Father guide me, please and grant me the wisdom to lead those who are in need of leadership.

Come on, Monday