According to dictionary.com the word design has 17 meanings. I was thinking about the second definition today.

2. to plan and fashion artistically or skillfully.

I have a very humble friend who is quite the designer. Her friendship has made me appreciate the design process more in the past year. I have a slightly deeper understanding of the consideration and heart that goes into creating a good piece or project. Of course there is such a thing as bad design, but truly good design takes an incredible amount of focus and skill to create. I feel childish even speaking to this field at all because I still have a very limited perspective.

Here are some interesting examples of design I've seen. My friend, Linsey, snapped some of these shots although I was a witness to the taking.





Each of these shots have an effect of some sort. They make me think of various memories or films I've seen. One may inspire me while the same may have little influence on you.

The thing that I notice from looking at these pictures is that the photos of nature have a sort of warmth about them. Perhaps it is simply the color choice, but I notice this all throughout life. Things in their purest form somehow remind me to hope. Maybe this sounds crazy, but I find that a fresh tomato helps me believe that good really can continually come from the earth even in light of the present evils we face. The big Texas sky allows me to breath deeply even when I'm walking down a bustling crowded street. Lichens on a rock remind me that my God is a phenomenal designer. The pattern and color combination somehow moves me to hope. Isn't that the essence of art? And at the same time, God somehow manages to make His designs weatherproof. I've never seen any of Da Vinci's work out in the rain. Have you?