Two sailboats

It’s been a very long time.

So much so, I’d almost given up on the idea completely.

Back in 2011, I had a difficult period.

My physical body was struggling, but the lessons I learned were so worthwhile.

During that season I felt the Lord ask me to draw.

I was surprised when He said, Sailboats.

As I drew, studied pictures, and prayed I learned something which comes to mind everytime I look at these boats.

My experience with physical problems has taught me that often emotional hurts will join the pain.

It actually makes sense.

If you are hurting, you’re going to struggle at seeing anything from any other perspective, but your own pain.

There will always be people who mean well, but actually hurt you simply by not understanding what you are going through.

Unfortunately, there will be others who will drop you completely, because you are no longer any use to them.

And on top of it all there are relationship struggles as the people closest to you work through their own pain and fear.

What does this have to do with sailboats?

Simply put, although a sailboat is made for sailing: its designed to be in the water, all will pickup some unwanted debris or go through a storm.

Whether it’s barnacles, scrapes from floating objects, or some other wear and tear, at some point it will need to be cleaned and maintenanced.

The same is true for us.

There will be seasons which will mar us, leave us feeling in need of repair.

That’s when we should head for the dock.

Only Jesus can heal our souls.

Only in God can we find the renewal and repair for the hurting heart.

Only His hands can restore.

This truth comes to mind whenever I see one of these pictures.

I’ve moved twice since drawing these sailboats.

For some reason, I’ve never framed them.

Last night, as I prayed about something else, the Lord reminded me of two frames.

They’d been given to me because they were in need of repair and our busy daughter didn’t have time to deal with fixing them.

I couldn’t understand why God was talking to me about the frames.

“Lord, I don’t know what to do with them after I fix them.”

My heart filled with gratitude at His answer.

Sailboats.

Now they’re hanging where I’ll look at them everyday.

A wonderful reminder to take all my cares and worries to Him.

1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV — Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for caring for every detail of our lives. Thank You for helping me draw these and now getting to enjoy them each day. Lord, so many are hurting and damaged, my heart aches for those who have yet to turn to You for healing and restoration. I so want people to be touched as You have touched me. Like the woman who reached through a crowd desperate for healing, You healed her and restored her. I am that woman. Thank You for Your touch. Please, let the hearts of the hurting reach out to You. Thank You. Amen.