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What a year!

I guess most of us can say this, but this one has been a doozy for me.  As I write, I am recuperating from total hip surgery number TWO this year.  Yep, two in less than six months.  Never in a million years did I dream I'd have to go through this kind of physical challenge....why, I've hardly ever been sick in my whole life!  I could go on, but I know you could match and even exceed this little tale of woe.

That's not what I want to write about tonight.  What I want to give you is a little encouragement as you go through your own valley.

Here are a few takeaways from my year of challenge:

l.  We all go through them.  If you haven't yet, you will.  If you have, you will again and so will I.  As much as I would love to be all  philosophical on why we must endure them, I am going to refrain.  One thing I am certain of though is that God's got this. ( I know I certainly don't. )  If you doubt that, maybe you should reconsider.  It wouldn't hurt to lean on some really strong shoulders.

2.  No matter how bad it seems, it will pass.  It always does although when we're going through the worst, you can't imagine it will get any better.  Only a few days ago, I was in the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life.  Now, just a few days later, that pain is becoming less and less.  To say I'm thankful is just not enough, but it stands to show that as time passes, so does the pain.

3.  Along with the pain comes self-doubt, fear and discouragement.  This goes without saying....when you feel bad, it's so easy for these guys to creep in,  They love to make you feel worse than you already do and convince you that this is the way it will always be. Don't believe it!

4.  There are always signs.....roses in the fire.  I knew you'd be wondering when this would get around to ART,

so here you go:   Even though I had a tough year and didn't get to do some of my favorite plein air shindigs, I did get some wonderful gifts:  I judged a major plein air event, won a Best in Show award and another First Place award in a national show.  I also did some mighty fine paintings, had some decent commissions and sales, but, most of all, I know I made some people happy through my art.  These signs told me that all would be well.

5.  Lessons learned.  I told you that wouldn't try to give you reasons why I think we all go through these times, but just in reflecting on this year, I can't help but think of Daniel, in the Bible.  Not only did he NOT get eaten by the lions in that den, but he lay down and slept peacefully while there.  Why?  He was "still " (at rest) through the darkness because he had the faith that there would come the light of day. And safety, and peace, and health, and great artworks yet to be painted.

I want to be like Daniel and feel stillness through the fire.  And know that there will be light, without the smell of smoke.