Lifting Souls

Psalm 143

3 When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.

4 Look to the right and see:
 there is none who takes notice of me;
 no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.

I read these verses yesterday and thought how common, even thousands of years ago, these feelings are! How many of us go through periods where we feel trapped, abandoned, unnoticed, and unloved! And still, in the midst of all that angst, the psalmist recognizes that though his spirit faints, God knows his way. God lights his path through all the dark turmoil and loneliness.

My daughter, Asherel, and I  taught our monthly art class at the nursing home yesterday.  When we arrived, our entire regular group was there, and a few new ones. The tables were filled! We had a fairly easy picture to draw per their request the month before -- a basket filled with flowers. I was frankly shocked at how well they all did. Many have started adding shading, and branching far beyond the basic shape drawing we teach them. There is a burgeoning confidence in our attendees. I am astounded that 90 year olds are turning into artists.

As usual, one woman told us that "she was no artist,"  but enjoyed drawing the flowers. She reminisced about her garden and how she had always loved growing flowers, and mowing the lawn.
"Everyone has their passion," I agreed.
She told me all about the farm she used to live on, but now only her sister remained at the old homestead, living with her children.
"But my daughter stuck me in here," she added. She did not say it with rancor...in fact she was smiling. Still, I thought of  Psalm 143 and the line about being unnoticed and uncared for. I thought of how little it takes to add a bit of sunshine to dreary lives, how little to hold the despair of Psalm 143 at bay, how often God is drawing us to the sides of those who need a friend.

We listened for a long time as she told us all about her farm, and how much she loved to work outdoors. Even Asherel seemed to be listening to her tales of her tobacco farm from days long past.
"I hired someone to clean the house," she told me, "But oh, how I loved mowing the lawn! I'm not much of an artist." She glanced down at her picture she had drawn, "But this is pretty good."

She held my hand and smiled.

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Psalm 143: 7-12

7 Answer me quickly, O Lord!
 My spirit fails!
 Hide not your face from me,
 lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
 Make me know the way I should go,
 for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
 Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
11 For your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
for I am your servant.