Sometimes It's Just Red

Sometimes It’s Just Red                         4-18-2015

By John W. Vander Velden

During an interview an artist was asked, why he had, in his landscape, chosen such an unusual color for a house.  “Did you want to express anger or passion?”

The artist blinked, sat an instant, and replied.  “I painted it because I liked the color, it’s just red.”

There are things that happen in our lives, and we look for deeper meanings.  The roof leaks and we wonder what we did wrong.  The car won’t start and we believe that a hex has been placed on the old Dodge, or whatever it is.  A teacher’s note gives us reason to spectacle whose child had been exchanged for ours all those years ago.  Surely all these things are ganging up on us, a conspiracy driven by forces beyond our knowledge, affecting our lives.  Friends, the roof leaks because it needs new shingles, the Dodge needs a battery, the teacher is just doing his or her job, and sorry, it is your kid.  It is life, with its bumps and bruises.  It’s just red. 

When we interact with others, we think about all the possible meanings of words or actions.  The world seems so filled with drama, and we are certain that all around us everyone has an agenda, some sort of hidden purpose.  Surely the actions of our acquaintance, family member, spouse, co-worker, or boss are driven by more than the obvious, perhaps anger, vengeance, or passion.  We feel they have acted out of spite, or self-service.  But friends, most times it is what it is, pure and simple.  Sometimes it’s just red.  Throwing ourselves into the task of finding hidden meaning is often a waste of energy and time, not to mention a bane on our relationships.  Not every thing is meant to undo us.  Not every thing is subverted to cover hidden secrets.  Sometimes what you see is what you get, no more, no less.  Sometimes it’s just red!

(320 Words)

4-18-2015