I Corinthians 13….all of it

It's not hard.  It's basic.

It's not complicated.  It's simple.

It's not impossible.  It's required.

It's not lost.  It's forgotten.

It's not unheard of.  It's unpracticed.

And, when it is….practiced and remembered, required…..it's so simple, really.  So basic.

I texted my sweet friend, artist, wife, mommy and architect of dreams, Katie a year or so ago and asked her to paint, in her fabulous way that she has, my favorite Bible verse.  When I make such requests of Katie, I rarely give much direction. 

I don't have to. 

She knows my heart.  And, she takes what she knows to be true of me and blends it with what is true of her….

And, she creates a masterpiece.

So, when I asked Katie if she could paint a portion of my favorite…no, my beloved….Bible verse,

I Corinthians 13 on canvas, she asked me to send some "concept" pictures.  So, I did…..and then, I let go and let her take her where our hearts would lead her….

And, this is the bounty, the treasure, the blessing she gave me in return…

 

This blog post picture does not do it justice…

so, if you ever want to see it in person, please feel free to come join me….in the little corner of my bedroom, nestled up against my "Mama chair" and "prayer warrior wall"…..the little corner of my world where God and I meet as often as possible.

This treasure, on its own, is not only a work of art…..it's a work of Heart, and for that alone…I am ever grateful.

But, those of you who know Katie, know that she does not just "do" her God given gift.  She breathes it, she kneads it, she draws it, she paints it…..she lives it.

So, draw close with me friends, and I'll share a particularly tenderly sweet treasure she hid in this gift to me….

 

If you will put your hand in mine and follow with me, I will share a secret…..a lovely, beautiful, precious moment….

Start with the biggest rose on the left…my own handwriting of I Corinthians makes up the delicate petal of the rose…then move to the lower right…that is Kenton, then more right….Johnson…then up to Madison's tidy, neat, penwomanship of I Corinthians 13.  And, perhaps even more sweet is that of my husband who penned one of his favorite verses for me…

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,

so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

² I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

³ And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel,

with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;

 if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What kind of person thinks to put into her art the handwritings of my family?  I think about that…often.  As I sit with my Mama's china cup of tea and Bible in lap sitting in my "mama" chair…..

What heart thinks to do that?  Whose hands work so carefully on the intricate patterning of every word-petal growing it into blooms of love and Him?

And, that alone make my heart swell to overflowing…and, just when I think I am too touched at heart to breathe…I notice the smallest bud of a rose…that little one which is not unfurled…but, which lays tenderestly next to mine…and, I see clearly….

My handwriting….

His words

Katie's gift to me…one Mama to another

A Mama who understands that when you lose a child on this earth, he…lives in your Mama's heart forever.

I think perhaps, although this bud is the smallest, she put into it her gentlest of love, care, and artistic gift…..

Joseph

And, Katie…..she knew that in our call to be patient and kind, to bear all things….believe all things….hope all things, that we are also called to endure…..

And, that we do this not alone

He carries us… as a knowing Father who, too, gave a son

And, even in the so-doing believed….

"Love never ends"…..

Blessings,

Lesa

In honor of the triumph of Jonah and Joseph, and Jesus!