Your Focus; Your Vision

Pierre-Auguste Renoir came from humble beginnings. Born on this day in 1841 in central France, when he was just a child, he and his family moved to Paris where he attended school. Although a “very diligent” student, his work did not generate significant recognition. No one foresaw the fame that awaited him.

While studying with other artists, he improved his painting techniques. As an apprentice, he learned how to decorate plates. Gradually he developed a fresh approach, proving himself to be a rising talent.

In 1874, he joined other colleagues in an exhibition in Paris. This was the first exhibition of what became known as “impressionism.” Like other Impressionists, Renoir embraced a brighter palette, giving his paintings a warmer feel. He also used different types of brushstrokes to capture his artistic vision.

His work proved to be revolutionary because he demonstrated a new way of looking at the world. More than a novelty, this innovation led to changes not in art but also in architecture, music, and other disciplines. These innovations were possible because Renoir was willing to look at the world in a new way.

Jesus encouraged us to remember the importance of our eyes. What we see. What we focus on. In His Sermon on the Mount, He described how “the lamp of the body is the eye.” How what we see impacts our thoughts and attitudes. Our emotions and feelings. If we see in the right way, we will be “full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

The insights developed by Renoir remind us to think about our own lives. To ask ourselves what we allow our eyes to see. What is our focus?

Ask God to open your eyes, to help you see the world as He sees it.