Death, Time, and Purpose watercolor sketch

1-11-15
33°F
cloudy

I’ve tried to sketch this dead tree many times before. It lives in a popular park that I escape to regularly. For one reason or another, I could never get close enough due to visitors.

It wasn’t time yet.

Yesterday I got lucky and was the only one there. As I began to sketch, a random memory came to my mind. I remembered looking at a dead tree once and a child asked me, “Why don’t they just cut it down? It’s dead.”

I proceed to explain that even thought the tree cannot provide life for new leaves, it was providing for others…shelter for the birds, food for the insects, which in turn means food for the birds, and a host for fungi.
It has purpose. Even some we can’t see.

It wasn’t time yet.

Now, my mind is bringing me to my Grandmother. A week shy of 95. In poor health. Missing mobility and all things independent. She wants to go home to the Father, but can’t.

I feel bad for her, for her season of waiting, and I secretly pray that I don’t live into my 90’s and end up in a nursing home. But then God whispers….

It’s not her time yet.

You see, this is how He communicates. While I’m sketching and painting, He directs my thoughts and gives me revelations. At just the right time.
If I had the opportunity earlier to sketch this dead tree while my Grandmother was not in the nursing home, then it wouldn’t have given me answers. But today she is touching lives that I can’t see. Whether it be for family, staff, or doctors, there is a delicate web of interaction. There’s a reason for all things. A time for everything. I feel comfort in this.