The SEVEN VIRTUES …
Anyone who knows me knows of my love of travel.
I took the above photo in September of 2019 during my last visit to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. It is titled “The Seven Virtues” and consists of seven separate Renaissance panels painted in the 15th Century. Today I prize the subject of this photo because it reminds me of a time when virtues were once openly professed. I remember when I saw these magnificent panels I said to myself “take this picture NOW, because in the future the idea of teaching virtues and the ideals of leading a virtuous life, may become obsolete.”
My thoughts today are about culture.
In a free and diverse society do we create “it” or are we simple a product of its creation? Are we aware that we collectively create a culture by what we choose to value and spend time with? Are we aware that we sculpt the future culture by what we teach and expose our children to? Do we consciously know that we finance our current culture not only with dollars but with where we give our time and attention. The images of “The Seven Virtues” were painted over 500 years ago and I remind myself what a treasure they are. A treasure not just for their Renaissance beauty and value, but for what each of them represents. I am reminded that virtues are not just fashionable goals and ideals, but rather are meant to be the moral standards of our goals.
So now, as I contemplate my personal theme for 2021, “the SEVEN VIRTUES” are at the top of my list! They are CHARITY, FAITH, TEMPERANCE, PRUDENCE, HOPE, JUSTICE, and FORTITUDE. I know that there could be a few more that I could add, however I will certainly have more than a year’s work if I stick with these 7!
Jane, thank you. I read your posts and share them with the sisters I live with because they are messages from God in your person. I am grateful for your generosity and enriched by your perspective. We also love the pictures.
Blessings!