Out of The Mouths of Babes…

What he said stunned me, Lord.  “I knew without a doubt that God had put me on Earth to paint.”  What stunned me the most was when he said this.  He was only four years old!

He’s much older now.  Late sixties?  But the Dream You had placed in his heart so long ago is only now coming to Life.  Starting with his retirement just a few years ago.

I had heard he was having a “show” today.  At a local food store that was throwing a Bar-B-Q to bring in customers.  I had no interest in the food.  You had prompted me to go, just to see him.

What a blessing!  He was so surprised — and grateful — to see me.  We had been friends before.  Today, we realized we are Family!  That’s when he recounted his childhood Epiphany.

He was quick to add that You had blessed him richly, Lord, with a family and a career that did not tap into his Dream.  And with many opportunities to love his family with his most valuable asset — his Time.  I could tell by the twinkle in his eyes and the joy in his voice that he has also loved You long and well.

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  (Psalm 37:4)

The Gift You have given him is amazing, Lord!  The landscapes he paints look like photographs.  The detail is so fine and so true to whatever his eyes take in.  One painting depicted a bend in a rural road, snaking its way through a countryside draped in fog.  He even captured the sheen of the moisture on the pavement.  How was it possible, Lord, with brushes and paint???

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  (Matthew 19:26)

How beautiful it is, Lord, that You have told him, “Now is the time.”  He is like a kid in a candy shop! Yet he knows it isn’t “just” about creating these works of art.  It’s about meeting and interacting with the people who are drawn to these works of art.  Because my painter-brother is Your masterpiece… isn’t he, Lord?   And his paintings are the Means… to the End that is always most precious to You..

The people.  And the beautiful works You have for us in reaching them… for You!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  (Ephesians 2:10)

Suddenly, I was praying for my brother.  Arm-in-arm, right there in front of the store.  But it wasn’t really me… was it, Lord?  If was You praying for him.  You just gave me the privilege of speaking Your blessings over him.

[Deep sigh.]

Oh-so-gratefully…  🙂   🙂   🙂

Abba’s Girl

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