“Wild Fire II” 30x22 painting and gold leaf on paper
The last blog entry I have posted was written from a moment in my life that I will never forget, nor regret.
It was like opening the cage of a treasured pet bird. Letting go of painting was not easy for me. I played it pretty cool though.
She has come back to me, like the vibrant bird I knew, but now covered in the gold dust of Freedom and Love and Purpose and Glory.
We want to get it right. We do try so hard. We work so hard. We don't want this life to be wasted. And we have good intentions. We love our neighbors. We work our fingers to the bone, and we climb steep ladders barely balancing at excessive heights because they say that’s where success is crowned. And we do it for them. We achieve well to make good. And we're almost getting it right.
But when you begin a process out of order, the outcome is off, no matter how hard you work. And so it would seem, if one’s desire is to see the thing built for it’s best ability and original purpose, there comes a point when the only way to fix it, is to take the whole thing apart, and begin again.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
They say, "If you love something, set it free." Doesn't make a lick of sense unless you know that true love requires freedom. But there is a canebrake on this path of wisdom.
There's more to it because the full truth is hidden in places many are not willing to tread— beyond what's common and visible.
We can easily assume we're walking on that good road with our strong work ethics and good intentions, but until we have become small enough to fit through the narrow spaces, many "believers" don't ever see it. The unseen truth is this: good things come from letting go. This consuming fire is a good thing. If that sounds insane, keep reading.
It seems like loss, and the world will warn you that it is. And, honestly, it will even feel that way. But to go back to step one is an opportunity to put God first and above all our manmade priorities. But it is not the common way. Seeking God first is not what we see most, unfortunately.
So, unless you have been plainly told about these “secret” principles- we as "believers" walk comfortably and confidently unaware that we are as out of order as a broken vending machine. We press for the more and more without having placed the ladder on the rock solid foundation:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
So why was I led to let go? Why would I set my beloved and beautiful bird free when I was thoroughly enjoying her colors within my exquisite bird cage?
Surely not because she was useless or unloved. Don’t we all know that gold is made finer in the fire?
Releasing a beloved treasure
isn't the end,
when it's placed in the hands of
the Giver Himself.
I watched as it was fully consumed...
but not burned.
And it became more alive than ever.
Amazing. Grace.
May you and I have the courage to walk further, to listen quieter, and obey braver, even when it makes no earthly sense. May we be willing to go back to the small beginnings, willing to set our beloved gifts before the Light, and be blessed to see them take flight in full Color.