"Angel"
6" X 8" Oil on Linen Panel
NFS
For Kari Jobe's emotional performance of "I Am Not Alone", click here: https://youtu.be/bfveawSAHJA
Wayward path, warp speed, brunt force, prolonged pain
…... all I could think of when I saw it coming!
Early in our marriage, my husband’s family occasionally engaged in a competitive holiday tournament of tetherball. In case you’ve never had the pleasure, a sturdy iron pole is firmly anchored at its base, and a rope attached to a medium size ball is suspended from the top of the pole. The object is to be the first to wrap the rope around the pole by hitting the ball with your hand (uh, some people use their fist.)
One day I was naïve enough to actually accept the challenge from my extremely competitive husband. We played a friendly game for several minutes - which I realized later, was him letting me get comfortable. Then, when I looked away for just a split second, in his odd sense of humor, he seized the moment and “spiked” the ball as hard as he could. (Picture Greg in the volleyball game in Meet the Parents!)
Well, I had just enough time to partially duck out the path of the ball traveling in a wayward path at warp speed. I may not be strong and athletic, but lucky for him, I can be quick. (I will not go into my over-dramatization of this assault at this time.) So, for a week, I sported a king-size bruise on my left shoulder, thereby displaying lovely colors of alizarin crimson, dioxazine violet, ultramarine blue….and eventually yellow ochre. (Oh my gosh - are you e-snickering??? You seriously have the same sense of humor?????)
Okay, fine. I'm moving on..........look at that face!!!! The precious little lady above is Angel - can't you almost see her halo? She has been a loyal, faithful friend to her "mom" for many years. From trials, tribulations, and celebrations, to spending simple quiet times at home, Angel has been her constant companion.
Sometimes life presents its own version of "tetherball" when struggles, opposition, and illness can threaten our very existence. Remember, tho, that we are tethered to a sovereign, faithful, and loving God who knows just how long the rope is, and promises not only His love and presence, but His sovereignty.
Oh, and it sure helps to have an Angel in your life!!
Early in our marriage, my husband’s family occasionally engaged in a competitive holiday tournament of tetherball. In case you’ve never had the pleasure, a sturdy iron pole is firmly anchored at its base, and a rope attached to a medium size ball is suspended from the top of the pole. The object is to be the first to wrap the rope around the pole by hitting the ball with your hand (uh, some people use their fist.)
One day I was naïve enough to actually accept the challenge from my extremely competitive husband. We played a friendly game for several minutes - which I realized later, was him letting me get comfortable. Then, when I looked away for just a split second, in his odd sense of humor, he seized the moment and “spiked” the ball as hard as he could. (Picture Greg in the volleyball game in Meet the Parents!)
Well, I had just enough time to partially duck out the path of the ball traveling in a wayward path at warp speed. I may not be strong and athletic, but lucky for him, I can be quick. (I will not go into my over-dramatization of this assault at this time.) So, for a week, I sported a king-size bruise on my left shoulder, thereby displaying lovely colors of alizarin crimson, dioxazine violet, ultramarine blue….and eventually yellow ochre. (Oh my gosh - are you e-snickering??? You seriously have the same sense of humor?????)
Okay, fine. I'm moving on..........look at that face!!!! The precious little lady above is Angel - can't you almost see her halo? She has been a loyal, faithful friend to her "mom" for many years. From trials, tribulations, and celebrations, to spending simple quiet times at home, Angel has been her constant companion.
Sometimes life presents its own version of "tetherball" when struggles, opposition, and illness can threaten our very existence. Remember, tho, that we are tethered to a sovereign, faithful, and loving God who knows just how long the rope is, and promises not only His love and presence, but His sovereignty.
Oh, and it sure helps to have an Angel in your life!!
"When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through
rivers of difficulty,
You will not drown,
When you walk through
the fire of oppression,
You will not be
burned up;
the flames will not
consume you.
For I am the Lord,
your God.”
Isaiah 43:2-3a
