As I'm getting ready to release my first collection, I have been reflecting on why I started it in the first place. I decided early on to name the collection "Consider the Wildflowers" after one of my favorite verses. When I started these paintings, I had no idea I would be painting and releasing them during a pandemic. It makes sense though when I think about it. It has been a blessing through the making.
“Consider the wildflowers” is a phrase that comes from a verse that I've always come back to in my life. The verse is Luke 12:27-30 and it is very wordy so I’ll sum it up in as few words as I can (but go read it if you have time, it’s necessary now more than ever.) It basically says “hey, don’t worry about what you need, don’t drive yourself crazy with anxiety. God knows and he’s going to take care of you.” So it’s crazy but not a coincidence that I decided to focus on this during a global crisis.
I don’t take this verse to mean that our worries aren’t legit and that they don’t matter. I currently don’t have a paying job and my world has been turned upside down because of that. So yeah, my worries are very real. Honestly, I'm not sure I've ever been as overwhelmed with worry as I am now. Yet, here I am painting pieces that are supposed to represent peace. It’s kind of a slap in the face, and I needed it. My worries matter a lot, so much that before I even knew I’d have these things to worry about, I was already given a place for peace.
The time I've spent with this collection has been an opportunity, it has been a protection, and it has been a daily reminder. There is a lot that I'm uncertain of right now but I'm reminded when I look at each painting of what I can be certain of. Even while I'm waiting, I'm not missing out because there is beauty in the here and now. I'm reminded to not let myself stay stuck in anxiety, but to be present in the moment and recognize the tangible blessings I already have in front of me.
During this time of waiting, I've been able to spend time with my son and see him learn so much in such a short amount of time. I've been able to go on daily walks and actually enjoy spring. Let’s not forget the amount of snacking I've allowed myself in the name of therapy. All of these are just examples of things I wouldn’t have been able to do in my normal busy everyday life. I don’t want to take anything for granted or waste any time by worrying about what could happen. Worry is a distraction from the contentment we've been striving for all along.
We are always ready to get things moving and make things happen. Capturing moments of stillness has allowed me to renew my thinking. I want to be where I am with confidence that I'm exactly where I need to be. I want to take the time to notice my blessings before I notice my fear. "Consider the Wildflowers" taught me to breathe through the panic, and have faith in what’s to come. My hope is that in welcoming these pieces into your world, you would also be able to catch your breath and know you're going to be okay.
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