"The Main Event"
8" x 10" Linen Panel
NFS
This is Bryson, little brother of God’s Masterpiece, Caylee
(see May 2013 post.) Happy first
birthday to him…….and it’s time for his one-year old picture!!
Being the planners that they are, Bryson’s mom and Grammy began the search for the perfect coordinating family outfits months ago. The date was carefully determined, their
favorite photographer scheduled, and location strategically selected. As time neared, their photographer had
to cancel and they were left with Grammy - who knew just enough about
photography to snap some shots on a very nice borrowed camera equipped with an
“Auto” setting.
Finally the day came and you can imagine the process of
getting 3 small children, husband, and yourself dressed to look as if you had
just stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. Mom had even thought to pack treats and drinks that would
not muss their clothes. Once in the car, the chaos was behind them –
smooth sailing ahead – a fun family outing at the beach! As they arrived, clouds began to roll
in, the sun disappeared and gusty winds began to blow. A bit deflated, they carefully trudged
to their pre-chosen destination.
Suddenly, quite a distance from the car, Caylee had an issue that I
won’t go in to, but let’s just say when little sister isn’t happy, no one
is :)
While mom, dad and big brother were tending to the
situation, little Bryson, who is normally the “main event”, chose to wander
away from the scene and seek a bit of solitude. As I pushed paint around on the canvas, I contemplated
Bryson’s innocence and peacefulness, as well as the serenity of the scene.
Because I knew of the chaos that we don’t see in this clip, God’s provision became evident.
In spite of all of their planning and attempt to control the
outcome of their family photo shoot, God allowed a different story to unfold, yet
it resulted in some great shots and lessons learned. (Oh, did I mention that mom didn’t bring a change of
clothing for Caylee?)
I am reminded that in spite of what is going on around us,
Jesus offers us the invitation to withdraw from the flow of
life, anywhere, anytime - to be with HIM - in His Word, in praise and
thanksgiving, in prayer, and just listening.
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you
won’t be tempted to role-play before God.
Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God,
and you will begin to sense His grace.”
Matthew 6:6 (Taken from The Message)
