©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 2023
Caterpillar
Photography
by Laurie Pace
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The unending summer heat in Texas is dragging us all down. The garden is burned up, the trees have to be deep watered constantly and we are now not mowing because the only way the yard will survive is not mowing low. Terry has been using the deep water probes moving them throughout the yard so no water is lost through evaporation using our sprinkler system. I am waiting for a reminder letter from our HOA to mow. The endless days of 105-110 degrees (feels like 5-10 degrees higher with the humidity) curtails outdoor activities, including swimming after 2 pm. or even being outside to walk in the evenings at seven when the temps are still 107 outside.
The heat and closeness in the house with drapes closed to bar the western sun, makes the day seem unending. I love barefoot in the grass. I love sitting in my swing under the morning shade tree. I love window shades up and curtains open to allow light filtering through the house. Light is my source of healing and inner joy.
Yet, during this unending heat, the changes in our country, our budgets, and our lives, many have found themselves In the depths of a dark and desolate space, where sadness begins to weigh heavily upon the heart. You may try to keep a smile and carry on. Many may not be able to find a way through the sadness or develop coping skills this soon after living in a lockdown.
My faith sustains me through the good and the bad. It does not mean I do not have to ‘journey through that dark time’ but it does mean He is walking with me and holding a light before me.
This week has found me in a tired quiet place reflecting back on the past three years and all of the changes in our lives here at home and across our nation with the loss of ‘a better life’ or ‘retirement’. It seems to be disappearing. At times I want to retreat with my guitar and try to ‘forget’ it all, knowing I will find some healing peace in this time. We survive this together.
I was surprised last night by an ‘angel’… a glimmer of joy and light through an email from a long time collector. We ended up on the phone for an hour and half. Every bit of stress and darkness left. Happy tears flowed. Almost comparable to that butterfly emerging from its cocoon. As we caught up with life, church, pilates, painting, husbands, aging, and grandchildren… the beauty lay in the light embracing us both and the loneliness and sadness was replaced by the warmth spreading through both of us, melting away the shadows trying to claim our spirits.
God timed all of this to His purpose. He lifted the burdens from both of us. His gentle touch dispelled any worry. The oppressive weight dissipated and relinquished the hold it had upon us.
We had emailed through the years since this collector drove from Houston, 15 years ago, up to Dallas to pick up a painting she had purchased. We had a common background of teaching and an instant warm connection. When we talked last night, we revisited both losses and joys in our lives. The common thread binding us together was through our God.
The world will change around you and around me, and we each must find a way to live and exist and THRIVE with what ever the situation is. Darkness may return, and fear may rise again as we face the unknown of tomorrow. The Lord God is your light and His light never dims. Do not fear for He is with you always. He will fight for you, you need only be still. He offers unfailing love, unending mercy and forgiveness. He is your sanctuary and offers a sacred space for you to rest and He will guide you along the path of restoration. Through Him you will have strength and resilience.
“It is in repentance and rest you are saved. In quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15
You become a testament to His transformative power of hope by sharing with others through His contagious energy so others may seek out their own light amidst the darkness with Him.
Hold on to Him. He is holding on to you.
Follow the Spirit of the Paint... with Laurie Pace
Laurie Pace - A Texas Artist
Laurie is an international artist, her paintings are collected in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, DuBai, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, St Thomas, Romania, Greece, Croatia, and Ecuador.
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© Graphics One Design 2023
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