We had bald eagles nesting in our neck o’ the woods lately. These birds are huge; their wing spans are close to six feet! Can you see them up in the tree?
No? Let us zoom in a bit.
Don’t they look like the lovely couple out on a date? They were eyeing our hens down below. Our lab, however, was eyeing them, too. I wish I were as watchful regarding the Lord’s work and ways in my life. I know I miss SO much!
I have yet to lose a hen this year and it’s because I have two good dogs keeping an eye on things. I love this photo of our maremma; he’s just relaxed as can be while the hens are, too, wandering around him. What bird of prey is gonna swoop down within reach of his teeth?
I have been a bit more cognizant of the birds of prey in my own head, every little project or numbered list each clambering for my constant attention, distracting me from the “main thing”. And instead of doing one thing really well and finishing, I have easily two pages of *stuff* going on around here in parts. Oy. Could I just have a month of not starting something new? Case in point: working on a new blog look. Just needed to rearrange the furniture I guess.
One thing I started was a new basket, and at least practicality took the reign in the design. I decided I wanted a basket that I could carry not one, but two casserole dishes as needed to potlucks. I used two heavy duty handles to be able to carry the weight. I hope to finish it before the end of the month. But I suppose I could make the same *hopes* regarding half a dozen or more other things going on around here as well. I am, though, a good picker at projects, a little here and there does finish them (eventually).
One thing I’m doing lately is Creativity Boot Camp. I feel like my artistic bents are just that these days: bent. I’m lacking focus in lots of areas. So far camp has been interesting; I’ve always liked “assignments” to try new things. It’s been stretching, and I’m liking it. Plus half the funds goes to Show Hope. Plus all I gotta do is see her bicep in the pic and I am marching off newly inspired to workout!
One day I was just supposed to play with paint. So that is all my 4yo and 7yo did for schoolwork that day, too: paint. We mixed our own colors and made a mess. I don’t give my kids green or orange or purple; they get blue, red and yellow and if I’m feeling generous, white. Whatever colors they want, they have to make. I think I might use my painted papers to cut apart and make cards with. I think my pen pals would understand.
One thing fun I did with the little guys was this. They drew their own happy faces with pencil, and then traced over the marks with white glue. We let the glue dry, and then used rollers to ink them up (with real ink, not paint). Then we took white paper, laid it on top, and rubbed. This is what they got after peeling the paper off. We all thought it was nifty.
This was my most challenging assignment so far. To draw a trunk and put on it what I thought I was, to the core. Mother? Wife? I put Christ follower. I’m a lame little lamb most days but I do love my Shepherd. The roots are what led to the trunk, and the branches are what flows from the trunk. What surprised me most were things alongside fruits of the spirit like “humility, sacrifice, obedience, pain, chastening, loving (having) enemies, contritely confessing sin….” Too many people think following Jesus is the means to the better (read: healthier and wealthier) life. That has not been my experience. Following Jesus for me means continuous praise, continuous repentance, continuous opportunities to know Him better through trust and obedience….and His continuous care to provide me circumstances and people that will test me and my faith. It is not easy. There is a peace inside that flows like a river, but there is also an outer constant vigilance for the birds of prey nesting in the trees, too.
Maybe what I really need to do is learn how to focus on Christ more. Then, perhaps, all these things too shall be added unto me. I’m still learning.
I'm looking forward to seeing one of your paintings in person :-)Linda