Would you be surprised to know this vibrant Garden first grew in a season of grief? How could something so colorful grow from a place so dark? I want to tell you who made it possible, and in the process, radically changed my life in the most wonderful ways.
Then you will call upon me
and come and pray to me,
and I will hear you.
You will seek me and find me,
when you seek me
with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13
I admit that for a long time, parts of my heart were hidden and guarded. I did not seek the Lord with all of my heart. I did not even know how to lean on him because I did not know him…even though I went to church and sang the songs and prayed the prayers. I knew about him, but that’s not the same as knowing him. Maybe I just didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t know that I didn’t know him.
But when my heart was broken open, I turned to him for help. When I could no longer bear the weight of it all,
I called on him,
I came to him and
prayed to him, and
I found him.
I came to know him as a person which, as turns out, is so much more than just knowing about him.
While I was getting to know him as a Father, as a Friend, a Teacher, a Helper, I was also learning to see him as a Gardener. This personal God led me through a series of seasons planting good things right there in the dark dirt. The “Garden Work” painting is a visual illustration of all that grew in the months following the hardest time of my life:
Trust grew, and I began opening the eyes of my heart.
Hope grew, and I gained an elevated perspective.
Love grew as I basked in the warm light of the Father’s Love.
Rest grew, and I knew I was safe enough to let go of control.
Peace grew even in undesirable circumstances
Joy grew because of gratitude.
Freedom grew in knowing his way is better.
And with that, I surrendered.
Look up to God's presence through times of grief and hardship. On the Growing Wild Podcast, Sarah and Natalie reflect on the "Garden Work" painting; an illustration of Sarah's testimony and the story of how this Garden grew.
“This is a story of God’s faithfulness when our expectations do not follow through . While this is my own personal testimony, it's also a depiction of what God is capable of growing in all of our lives when we turn to him with an open heart. I hope it encourages you, especially if you find yourself facing loss.” -Sarah
Looking Up is a compilation of art and inspirations drawn from Sarah Otts’ work based on the wonder and spirituality found within the natural world, most notably around her home near Mobile Bay. This 8x10 book is a beautiful addition to the coffee table. Within the painted hardcover you will find pages of original art as well as written reflections, photographs and inspiring quotes.
“This collection of art is a celebration of creation intended to inspire perspective, to lift chins and aim sights outward, to remind us to look up and keep looking.”
Available for local pick up and/or shipping.