"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God"
Hebrews 10: 31
The day begins early and ends late.
I don't know where my time goes. Most mornings, with a battered notebook in hand, I sit and order my day with a long dog-eared list. I have things circled in importance, times underlined, notes next to my boys names, and lines of things to get to next. I often leave tiny hearts as I pray over people, scratch out things that are done, and leave sketches of blooms and leaves running up the margins.
This is how I operate -- I am the boss and her personal assistant.
Are you having the same life?
I am reminded again and again in lists, lines, color and sketch that my life is not my own. I am connected to a world of other. We are connected to each other!
Other people, yes. Other's times and places outside of my comfort zone, emails from sweet friends that need response, deadlines and new projects, and unplanned detours for little boys that eat up entire days. Plus, the gift of a home: so many chores! Those don't wait -- and days that are getting much shorter (that is a terrible combination.)
I am realizing, most of what I do each day is quite intimately connected to "Others" in my life.
Well, it's no wonder I can't get anything done!
I am realizing, most of what I do each day is quite intimately connected to "Others" in my life.
Well, it's no wonder I can't get anything done!
It isn't that I dislike any of these things, I love the people I live with. I just needed to see and appreciate the gifts of Other in my life~ patience, tolerance, forgiveness, unconditional love, enthusiasm and support, and much laughter.
I am also aware of the Other in my life that is not visible. I am held together in ways that are miraculous. My heart, my mind, my health, my relationships, this home, today's adventure (a very long list!)...are held together in God's holy hands. How does that work? I can't say that my life is simple or easy, it never is, but it is blessed. Even in the messiest moments, where all of life seems to fall apart, I am tightly held. New days come. Life journeys detour, but smiles do return, don't they?
God doesn't let go. He never lets go.
I have peace. I have hope. I trust Him.
He is enough for me.
This day is precious. We only have so many of them and this is a great one~
These delicious autumn days are my favorite and they are only here for a few short weeks. Please promise me (I will promise me, too) that we will grab each day as it is miraculously given and we will see what surprising gifts it brings.
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my youngest son on our photo shoot last fall
May grace and goodness be our friends today~
they will help us be brave!
In an warm autumn hug,
jj
Beautiful, Junelle!! I can't wait for The Art of Wild Abandonment 2!!
ReplyDeleteHi Junelle, so lovely to 'hear' your voice again. Your blog has become a bit of a 'go to' blog in my life at the moment. I find your thoughts and insights refreshing and encouraging. Your honesty, authenticity, vulnerability and realness in your blog posts and in your art classes have inspired me to listen to my own heart and to be brave in my own blog writing. Thankyou. And I promise to "grab each day as it is miraculously given and see what surprising gifts it brings".
ReplyDeletexx Jo
Such a great message, one that I will take to heart and to my Other today. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI promise!
ReplyDeleteLove those two little words (in you) yes, we are enough in Him! I have to tell you I sketched out a journal page yesterday, not my usual way of processing...usually just dive in, enjoyed the different processing. (see blog)
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace to you!
This post reminds me of the term, the "God of surprises," a little less of a well-known attribute of Him. It's so easy to get lost in the whirlwind of everyday productivity, and it is good to remember that God is holding it all together :)
ReplyDeleteWow everywhere I look this week God is confirming things that have been going through my mind. I just want to say thank you for opening yourself up and letting Him guide you in this post. I hope you have a blessed and wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these wonderful thoughts and words of encouragement. I truly needed to hear this today, as right now I'm crying. Isn't it funny how God works, today was a day that I just wanted to give up..give up everything, but I told myself that I'm in Gods hands and he always has my back.Now I read your message and of all days he has again reassured me things will be okay. Love you from here to the moon.
ReplyDeleteThank you DD P.S. Can't wait to start your new workshop!!
Jenelle,
ReplyDeleteI am learning in these very, very busy days to stop. What a contradiction!!! Stop, listen, surrender, then go.
Thanks for the beautiful reminder of whose hands we are in.
xo
lynn
Oh how my Heart beats along....
ReplyDeleteFaith
Hi Junelle
ReplyDeletethank you for the encouragement. I have been feeling so overwhelmed by the way the days pass by so quickly and how I never have enough time to do the things I really love, and how frustrating it is. Good to be reminded that GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!
You are a true inspiration.
Love your blog.
Angella (South Africa)
Oh Junelle... you are speaking right to my heart today! You had me with, "I don't know where the time goes..." I just did a blog post about the "in-between spaces" because I too... was thinking about how time races by & what is really important.
ReplyDeleteI love your gentle reminder of whose hands we are in... and that God never let's go. Thank-you thank-you sweet lady for the joyful art, the inspired words and the encouragement you put out in the world~ we are truly blessed by you! ~ hugs xo valerie
This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your heart. I too am striving toward embracing and cherishing rather than wishing things were different... It's so often a daily giving it up to God and trusting that He has me right where He wants me and choosing to focus on that truth rather than where I'd like to be. Thank you for reminding me of this! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love this Junelle. I especially love the part of your painting that says, "(in You) I am enough". I love that. I love that He fills in my gaps and holds me sure and firm through each day. You are such an encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI promise and enjoy! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYou always hit the nail on the head with your words....you are always an inspiration for me!
ReplyDeleteOnce again I find myself reading the last few blog post you've written and agreeing with everything you say. I love this time of year! I love the chill in the air, the way the earth looks and smells, of course, anything pumpkin is delightful! I'm trying so hard not to "plan" my day but to let my Father plan each day for me and realize just how blessed I am. Then I find myself wanting the time to knit, paint, sketch...it becomes overwhelming. I have to switch my focus to Him and know that He will give me the time to do the things I love. Sorry, I've gone on for too long to say, I agree and I am thankful for the way you share with us! To help me to be accountable. Blessing on your Autumn! May you soak it in fully and completely! Ann in Indy!
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