If Only Art Were Reality....

I had planned to kayak yesterday, but got sidetracked by doing an illustration for a potential new job. The herons at the lake where I kayak had it all to themselves. By the time I finished the detailed illustration, thunder clouds had bloomed and my window of opportunity had closed.

I did learn a very handy new tool on my art program. It is called a lasso. I can choose any part of my drawing, use the lasso tool to encircle it, and then put that section of the drawing anywhere I like. So for example, I lassoed the head of my heron painting above, and put the head at its feet. Note, my headless heron below.

This is very useful, and I discovered it by accident. There are a million fun things I could do. Like this:

Start with a regular boring picture. Use the lasso tool and.....

Endless possibilities! It was almost as much fun as kayaking.

For some reason, this made me think about prayer. I have been on cloud 9 since finding out I don't need chemo and my reoccurance cancer risk is very low. But the joy is marred knowing many of my friends did need chemo, and some didn't survive cancer. They all prayed for miracles too.

I don't understand. If I had a lasso tool that could lop off tumors and replace them all with strong healthy cells, I would. God doesn't. Not always. I don't pretend to understand. I believe in God's goodness, but I don't understand the pain we endure. Sometimes, I see lessons in the pain and blessings in spite of the pain, but it doesn't lessen the physical anguish. My best attempt at making sense of it all is that this world and all that is in it will pass away. Something more important than our ease and comfort is at stake.

I am so grateful for the blessings I have enjoyed. Last night, as I prayed, I asked that God would give me an ability to see beyond things as they are, to what they one day will be. An eternal perspective is the only way to navigate a world of grief.

Meanwhile, I will lasso despair, and replace it with joy as I have opportunity. It is the best I can do.

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Heron painting, pastel, 16 x 22, if interested in purchasing, contact vickychooseslife@yahoo.com
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Matthew 5:4 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Revelation 21:4 

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

1 Peter 5:7 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

John 16:33 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 11:28-30 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Psalm 56:8 

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?