The Wind

I just finished a painting that has had my mind spinning with thoughts. This often happens as I pray and paint. It is a precious time between the Lord and myself. I like this painting because it reminds me of the movement of the wind, which I have always loved, but it also prompted some other thoughts.

Often in our lives we feel a weariness in our spirit for one reason or another. As wonderful as this world is life in it can sometimes weigh us down. As I painted this woman walking off into the wind I understood that need to face into the wind and for the wind to carry away my weariness.

I have many memories of facing the wind. Some on the shores of our beautiful Great Lakes and some standing on the shores of Northern Ireland facing the sea and allowing the wind to carry His voice to my heart.

As of late I have been renewing my mind with His promises. I have been especially grateful for the innumerable ways that God has met me, carried me and sustained me in the past almost three years of battling cancer. His goodness has no bounds! Without His love and the love of so many people who faithfully pray for and help me I am certain I wouldn’t be here.

My journey, while certainly a struggle, has been so much easier than so many other’s, but it has still brought tears and a weariness at times.

People tell me that I handle it well but honestly if it seems so it is solely because of His grace and strength.  I cling to Him not because I am strong but because I am weak and desperately need Him.

Every day is a battle and it challenges me on every front, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Each of us go through seasons like this regardless of our particular challenge. This world can be hard but it is also a beautiful place where we can meet Him in the wind.

As I worked on this painting I was caught up in how much I have always loved the wind. I have always loved how it swirls around me, refreshes me and even carries away my tears at times. The thing that means the most is that it always changes things. Wind moves things, makes them shift and realigns them. God does the same to us all while stirring our soul and filling us with refreshing.  When you feel weary turn your face into the wind and allow it to wash over you, in it you will find a love so powerful and a grace to press on.