I found time to paint and with a chunk empty, I gave it to quiet distraction.
I took the apron from the nail on the wall and tied a loose bow around my waist.
Inundated with images of storms and ravaged places, I’d been hard on myself, “Is there something I could write, are there comforts I might provide here?”
But, I’ve nothing to add that might be worthy.
I’ve not weathered their storm.
For those who feel deeply, you’ll understand, how it was just so perplexing to me, to not connect with all the other “one anothers”.
I was systematic in my approach to canvas, tediously attentive to the grace I desired be displayed.
5 Angel Paintings, 5 hymns, one buyer of my art as Christmas gifts. I took my time, layering colors, blending over laid down with purpose lyrics.
And the girls, the slant of their shoulders, the sway of their gowns, the simplicity of their glances, I was resting with them, myself graced by the spreading of the paint and the perfecting of soft background.
Music playing, my Lauren Daigle station, all softness with a just a touch of James Taylor type folk.
It was a thoughtful time, my heart slowly responsive.
And then, a new song, and I decided quickly, oh…I know who needs this.
Listened to its telling the listener of her worth, of her value, her serenade…oh, realize you are loved.
Sat with this for a few, then sent it to a special someone.
Then, I second guessed my assumption of knowing her need and oh, my goodness why do I feel like it’s my job to lift the souls of everyone around me as if I of all people could possibly know the need of their own very soul?
But, the little bubble had the word “Delivered” underneath.
My head dropped to my lap and regret mixed with hope. Hope it’s taken as I meant.
Hope it’s okay.
Now, I’ll tell you what happened next if you promise you won’t think I’ve lost it, that I’m deeply and darkly sad or that I’m just way too deep.
Well, most likely you may already, oh well.
I’ll tell you because it was amazing.
I’ll tell you because I bet you’ve had extraordinary moments too, you just don’t share it with the world or a few curious and a few intrigued readers.
But, how might the world know? How might another soul find a similar song?
I listened again to the song, “Wonderfully Made” by Ellie Holcomb, mainly checking myself, and my like a “soul reader”, conclusion of her need of it’s word…and God’s
I sat with my 5 angel paintings awaiting deeper detail. My hands messy from blending and the desk a wreck of scattered tubes, brushes, pastels, pencils, pages of old hymns.
I’m messy. I am, I thought.
I listened.
It started soon and it started slow. My cheeks grew warm and then rivulets of tears fell, puddling just a second in the laugh line on either side of my lips and then slowly, slowly, easily, eventually sliding into the place I think is called clavicle.
Then, the song ended and I sat. No concern for being found in such a state or of my husband asking “What’s wrong?”
I would have said “Nothing.” and I would have meant it.
Simply taken by being taken to the place I needed to go, the place I needed to feel.
The song, well it’s beautiful in its message. I hope you listen. I hope it makes you cry.
I hope it causes you to know how beautifully, fearfully, wonderfully made you are despite your years, your days, your choices, your harms uninvited.
I hope you listen.
I hope you cry when you believe the words to God’s song.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:14 NIV
Oh, and little word changed to “Read”‘and then a reply of gratitude for my reaching out.
Linking up with Quietly Through today. http://quietlyreminded.com/2017/09/07/hold-fast-quietly-thursday-link-14/
Lisa Anne Tindal 