Systems: God

I do apologize for the length of the first installment of this Systems Series. I tried writing that post three times in an effort to shorten it but I finally realized that sharing art and ideas is my passion and there was no way I was going to get away without providing a history lesson and a thorough description of my systems art. Still, it wasn't very polite of me to tell you I was going to answer three questions and then only answer one. I hope you'll forgive me. 

Before I move onto answering the second question I did want to mention the two governing laws of systems. 

Law #1: Follow the rules. I'll admit, there are moments when systems artists will take artistic license with their work and break the rules they've set for themselves. Or, more likely, they'll follow the rules until they’re "done" and then change the rules mid-project and follow their new set of rules until they get the result they want. After all, there aren't any rules against changing the rules. Still, since the point of a system is to discover where that system will lead, it is imperative to stick to the system even if that system leads to a visually disappointing result. Which takes us to Law #2: No matter the result, whatever comes from following the system is art. As such, it is deserving of the same title, respect, and honor that any other work of art would receive. 

These laws are important because if you're going to spend an inordinate amount of time bent over one work of art slowly adding millions of dots to a page, drawing lines in a repeating cycle, gluing thousands of beads to paper, or any of the other ridiculous things a systems artist gets themselves into, it's a good idea to remember that it's a work of art which means you can't just throw it out when the system doesn't turn out the way you want or expect it to. Trust me, the temptation to throw out a system in progress is quite strong at times. 

Now, to question #2. How do I know God is a systems artist? 

    Clouds. And sunrises. 

Clouds are cool guys. Have you ever watched them? There are four different "classifications" of clouds each formed when the moisture, dust, wind, and air pressure combine in different ways. But since I'm definitely not a qualified weather person, I'll refrain from another lengthy lecture. Still, if there's a cloud in the sky, I've most likely taken notice, attempted to classify it, and then appreciated it's location, color, and the way the sunlight is reflecting on it because clouds are cool. And confusing. Especially at sunrise when the sunlight, atmosphere, and clouds turn out a unique look every morning. Tell me—how does a fairly ordinary cloud and a little bit of sunlight turn into a majestic, awe-inspiring sunrise or sunset almost every single day?

I remember hearing once that God paints the colors in a sunset every day. Thanks, C.S. Lewis, for the quaint and comforting thought that makes us consider that God cares about us so much that he takes the time to create a new, unique painting each and every day (and sometimes twice a day). Can you hear my sarcasm? Don't worry, I've apologized to Lewis. And I don't actually mind the thought that God has a hand in painting brilliant hues in the sky. Still, let's face it—the idea is ridiculous. I don't care how long eternity is. There's no way God has time to paint a full-blown painting every single day. Plus, he'd have to be painting constantly in order to provide a sunset all around the world since the sun is rising and setting all the time. (Though that might explain why some sunsets are more mundane than others. Perhaps He spent more time on Africa's sunset one day and didn't have time to finish California's :). 

I was contemplating this as watched the clouds while I drove to work one morning in early March. I should have been watching the road and there may have been a bit of close call as I went around a bend in the road (don't tell my mom!), but there was no way I could have focused on driving when the clouds were doing incredible things. They were formed into puffy little cumulus shapes that were bunched together like an upside down flock of sheep against the background of this darker gray cloud. Meanwhile, the sun was just rising but was still behind the mountain which meant the ground was still shadowed but the sky was lit up. The clouds were bouncing with pink and yellow light that made apricot and peach-colored shadows all over the fluffy clouds. I'd never seen anything like it. 

I also realized that no one else had ever seen anything like it either. Because like snowflakes, clouds and sunrises are unique, individual, and are only ever seen once. It doesn't matter if you follow the same cloud recipe of water and dust each time. You'll never come up with the same cloud twice. Just like I'll never get the same work of art no matter how many times I follow the same system. 

Systems. Clouds and sunrises are the result of a system. A system on a grander scale, yes, but a system. That thought made me giddy. God uses systems. He has a system set up for clouds and sunrises, a system for determining and varying flower colors, forming and filling rivers and waterfalls, and probably everything else. Ever wondered why nature is so compelling and beautiful no matter if you're looking at a fallen leaf or an ocean reef? (Not an intentional rhyme). It's because it's a system and, according to Law #2, anything resulting from a system is a work of art and is, therefore, beautifully incredible. 

As further proof that God is a systems artist, I submit that God strictly adheres to Law #1. He follows the rules. Not all the time, of course, since He does take artistic license and lets people walk on water or heal from terminal illnesses, but that's not really breaking the rules, it's more of altering them to fit the image and circumstances. And, since I've yet to find a object in nature that is not an example of a system, I've begun to wonder if perhaps this entire world and life itself is merely an incredibly intricate system filled with moving parts. God set the rules, primed the canvas, and then placed us here to create a most intriguing work of art. What the final piece is going to look like, I really can't say. I'm not actually sure if God totally knows what this system is going to turn into. True, He occasionally steps in in large ways, changes the rules and provides words of guidance, miracles, angels, and hope, but for the most part He lets us take over and run our lives as we like. And while He might always follow the rules (or as the artist, at least has the right to change them), we do not. 

Still, no matter how much we do or do not follow the rules, there is one rule that He never breaks, bends, or alters. He never stops free will. He's never forced anyone into anything. And He never gets in the way of His kids and their choices. There are just some rules that cannot be broken. Which I find absolutely unbelievable. If I'd set into motion the most incredible system that has ever been imagined--involving not only clouds and sunrises but millions of living species, rock formations, unfathomable ocean ecosystems (there's a reason they're called that :), and thousands of flowers painted in minute detail--I would not be thrilled to see those systems thwarted by people who choose to break the rules, engage in wars, pick fights, hold onto anger, spread discontent, and disrupt the beautifully functioning system of the very world in which they live. Since I was incredibly tempted to break the rules of a system involving a few lines on a page, I can only imagine the temptation I would suffer if I were watching my creations hurt each other by intentionally disregarding the very rules that govern life.

The fact that God does not interfere stands as a testament to me that, as is the case with any systems art, the life-long process of creation and discovery is much more important than the eventual result. He cares so much and so deeply about the lessons we're each going to learn from participating in this life-system, that He endures the heart-rending experience of watching us mess up, disobey, throw off the balance of the system, and seemingly ruin everything. And, although I can't imagine it's pleasant to watch as line after line, time after time, and repetition after repetition we keep messing up, I also can't imagine that He's mad. After all, as with any system, whatever the result, we are still a work of art. And you have to admit there's a lot of beauty to be found in sorrow and mistakes. Perhaps even exquisite beauty. Acute and intense, yes, but also carefully selected, uncommon, and precious. 

And that's how I know God is a systems artist. He sees the whole system. He understands the whole process. He knows the pain and anguish and yet still sees us as the precious, important works of art (in process) that we really are (or will be eventually. I, for one, am definitely still an off-balance line in an awkward spot on the page). :)

Part 3: Systems: The Eye Cannot See coming June 26, 2022.