All is not always what it seems...

The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

During a short break to Belgium last week, we spent a day in Ghent, and whilst there paid a visit to Ghent Cathedral to see the 'acclaimed' altarpiece - 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb'.

As anyone who knows their polyptychs from their tryptychs (or from their elbow for that matter!) this 'polyptych' consists of a total of 24 compartmented scenes, which make up two views, open and closed, which are changed by moving the hinged outer wings. 

This masterpiece (shown above) was housed in a small room at the front of the Cathedral for which we were required to pay €4 entry fee, only to find the room crammed with about 40 people all of whom seemed to be taking a call on their mobiles phones.

I tried to get a better view of the painting, which looked good, but was difficult to see, and I was considering moving on when I was handed one of the aforementioned "mobile phones". 

Obviously (to you maybe) it wasn't a phone at all but an audio device which explained in detail the construct and meaning of the painting in front of me.

I had initially looked at the painting, but I hadn't seen what it contained until it was explained to me, and then I saw and properly appreciated the amazing detail that it contained.

All too often we look, but don't actually see; or listen, but don't actually hear.

Towards the end of our last training walk on the South Downs, I was certainly in this 'mode'. Walking head down, concentrating on putting in the miles, but not appreciating everything that was around me.

In just over a month's time it will be a shame if the overwhelming concentration is on blisters; aching limbs; chafing or sleep deprivation. 

All of these things will be features of the event, but we all need to "see" not only the wonderful scenery that will surround us, but also the good that a few thousand people can do for so many more fellow citizens of this planet.

And when, as you cross the finish line having completed the 100km walk, you hear the strains of M People's song playing in the background; when you hear Heather Small sing:

"What have you done today to make you feel proud?"

You, my friends, will know!