Sometimes, to keep a marriage on an even keel, you just have to accept your spouse for who he/she is. I put my husband to the test recently....and happy to say, he passed. He sighed, rolled his eyes at me, but he passed.We were heading to San Diego to escape the heat. I casually mentioned I had to make a side trip to LaJolla. Not that he didn't enjoy La Jolla, but he wondered what was drawing me there.
"Well....I have to take a picture" was all he got from me.
"A picture of what?"
"A tree."
"What tree?"
"I'm not sure which one...but when I see it, I'll know it."
"Where is it?"
"Well...I think I know the street, but I don't know for sure until we get there."
"What's so special about the tree?"
"The bark."
"Whaaat?"
"The bark. I need to get a picture of the bark."
By this time I think he was ready to give up on the conversation and go into his silent mode. Let me explain....he knows me well....we've been married for 42 years. But, I proceeded to tell him I needed the picture of the bark so I could try creating an abstract painting. I once photographed the bark on another trip but lost the photos.
This is when he rolled his eyes.
I've never painted abstract before. I enjoy some abstract paintings, but my paintings always turn out to be representational. I assumed that painting tree bark would help me produce an abstract.
Well, I've completed the painting but couldn't break free of my representational slant. I call it "Risen Life". There is a figure hidden in it, one that is experiencing a resurrection not visible to the human eye.
Resurrection God, you bring life to that which was dead. You bring joy to our sorrow, comfort for our pain. You call us out of the graves of greed, isolation, depression, distrust, fear, and indifference to come alive with your Risen Life.
~Child, you have nothing to fear. Sin, too, is conquered and forgiven, as you live and move and work with Me. All that depresses you, all that you fear, are powerless to harm you. They are but phantoms. Let nothing hinder your Risen Life. Rise from your fears and go out into the sunlight to meet Me, your Risen Lord.~
P.S. My husband likes it.
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." ~Isaiah 60:1
5 comments:
Hi Suzanne,
This is a lovely painting. I can totally relate to your adventure to get that picture of the bark.
The figure is very moving...captivating. I think it makes the painting.
I really enjoy reading your blog. You are very blessed with many creative talents in so many areas.
I love what you said about Resurrection...
I've never thought of it like that before.
Your writings and quotes speak deep into my heart. I am fairly new to working on having a relationship with God.
Your sharing helps me with my person walk more than you know.
Thank you for that.
That's really beautiful, and I'm certain that when your husband looks at it, he's grateful for having taken the detour.
I loved this post as well as your painting!And I'm generaly not a fan of abstract art!! :-)
Sharon in Oregon :-)
I agree with accepting our spouse for who they are. That's why I encourage my hubby to play golf. He's enjoys sports but works so hard during the week.
I had to smile at how your hubby rolled his eyes teasing you. But I must say, the trip and photo was well worth the effort because the final product is awesome!
cool blog
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