There is something sad about this incomplete pine. Or maybe it’s not sad at all, but I’m looking through sad eyes. I’m still processing the loss of a friend and I’m not going to lie, it does not get better with time. Especially when I pick up a paint brush and do the very thing we loved to do, paint.
This pine sits in my backyard. When I feel the desire to paint a tree, it’s usually because there’s something unique about it. Some characteristic of the tree calls out and wants to be noticed. Maybe this tree called me. Maybe I am this tree at this point in my life.
It is so easy to slip on a downward slide emotionally. There is no effort involved. But I have two choices: I can free fall into a pit or I can use my arms and legs, press into the wall of the slide and stop my descent.
But how?
I run to scripture.
There is power in the Word. The very Word itself is alive. It has the authority to uplift and heal because it is of God. So when I become low, start to cry, I cling to these:
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb 13:5
I am not alone.
“…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6
Even when I am incomplete, He will sustain me.
He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. Ps 147:3
I will be healed.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:16
He hears me.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Rev 21:4
We win in the end.
The only thing required of me is my faith. That is all.
I believe. My belief is that tiny light of hope in the midst of darkness and suddenly I’m not sliding downwards any longer.
Hope defies darkness and gravity.
Let's Paint Nature! 
Thank you for this post. What a kind, good God we serve. He not only died on our behalf, but then He comforts and strengthens us in our time of need. Thank you again. Katie
You’re welcome, Katie. And how true, we do serve a very good God! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Prayers for you during your time of grief. Yes, He alone can sustain us, and give us a “peace that passes all understanding.” I will keep you in my prayers.
Jen, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!
Yes. Faith. And the knowledge that Jesus wept when Lazarus died. Like you, I have lost a friend- my husband of 21 years, who struggled with a rapidly developing dementia -FTD and ALS. Isaiah 26:3 ‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on you, because they trust you. ‘. Your art is a reflection of the beauty that God allows you to see because He loves you. I took up painting when my husband first became ill, and in my darkest moments of grief, God never disappoints – He always has something beautiful to remind me of His presence. Stay the course, dear. Focus on your blessings, and know you are an inspiration to others. May the peace of God comfort you.
Gini, thank you! Your words comfort. Thank you for sharing your loss, it helps to know you’re not alone. I will keep you in my prayers and I will stay the course.
I needed to read this today. Uplifting….
I’m glad, Beka….and like Gini said…”Stay the course.” Prayers for you too. 🙂
True g r ue
there is beauty here – in the tree, in your yard, in your loss … amd the incompleteness of the tree. you are beautiful … in your sharing your faith with us, and your pictures. thank you
Thank you, Gene. My prayer is that through the pain, God can heal me and countless others. Beauty for ashes. God bless, my friend.
God bless …
I can see pines looking out my window. They’re uniquely beautiful in winter. I’m sorry for the death of your friend, Christine. We grieve, but we rejoice in the hope of the Resurrection. Thanks for sharing your faith.
Thank you Mark. Yes, that hope glows and never goes out.
You stand alone, but you’re never alone. Great Painting!
Jim- House and Home Painting
Thank you, Jim 🙂 Happy Holidays