"One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering."

Ida Scott Taylor


Sunday, May 22, 2011

Learning and Waiting


Two weeks ago we were in Pennsylvania visiting family
and I'm trying to get back into creating 
on a more regular basis again.
It always takes me some time to get back into
the swing of things.

I'm working on a new song birdie painting.
It isn't finished yet, but thought
I would show you what I've done so far.
I'm thinking about adding a black top hat and a 
white bow tie, along with some
song lyrics.



So far I've only used acrylics, but it will be a
mixed media painting before I'm all done with it.

A few weeks ago we had a female cardinal
 that returned every day for over a month to sit
 on a lilac bush outside of our kitchen window.

She would fly into the glass of our window over and over
throughout each day. 
Does anyone know WHY they do this?

It reminds me of how easy it is
for me as a human being to repeat some 
action that isn't good for me, like eating too much
sugar on any given day.
Or giving into worry and fear over things
I cannot change etc... 

We know it isn't good for us 
and that it may even 
cause pain, but we do it over and over anyway!
(just like the cardinal hitting the glass over and over)

I guess maybe it's because instant gratification
is what we are seeking rather than
waiting for the ultimate prize
that only waiting can bring.
Do you ever struggle in this area?

~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~

"I grew up with six brothers.
 That's how 
I learned to dance - waiting for the bathroom."
 
  Bob Hope

~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~ 

I don't know if it's because I'm older
that I find it a  little easier to wait,
or if it's because
I've hit my head on the glass
one too many times
and 
going through that pain
just isn't worth it anymore. 

I just know
that when I take the time to look
back through my life, I find that many
unexpected blessings
came during those waiting times.
Blessings that
truly changed me or
got me on the right path that I was
designed to take.

If you are in the midst of a waiting time,
a painful time,
or " I wonder what in the world
could go wrong next"
kind of time,
please be encouraged.
Be hopeful.
Know that "in the wait", 
God is truly working on your behalf
and you are going to be rewarded for your waiting.


"The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

 to the person who seeks Him."

Lamentations 3:25


YOU ARE ONE AMAZING CREATION.
BELIEVE IT MY FRIEND.
THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE YOU.
YOU ARE SPECIAL.

NOW GO OUT AND FLY....
AND be your unique YOU...

Just beware of hitting the glass -ouch!

10 comments:

Jenny said...

that's a beautiful cardinal! He's having such a great time singing :)

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Beautiful painting thus far and I really like your ideas for the piece, looking forward to seeing the end product. As for birds hitting windows, it's usually because the glass reflects the outside world and they simply think they are flying into what's reflected, poor things.
My sister Kel lost her job and is trying to find direction so she is going to appreciate your post. Thank you.

Mary said...

Thanks for this post Lee Ann. I seem to be in a waiting time...and it is painful sometimes. But I have learned that sometimes we have to sit in all the uncomfortable-ness of it. There's waiting, there's the feeling of the stuff that comes with the waiting, but there is always HOPE in the middle of it all.

Our pastor spoke on the story of Jesus calming the storm yesterday.
He said that storms, trials (waiting) come to teach us and change us. To bring something new in our life. That we are to walk through the very heart of the storm - emerging different people. That really they are a gift. And I believe that waiting is part of that too.

I love your painting...looks like I could reach out at feel his feathers.

oh, about the female hitting the glass, i am not sure, but she could be seeing her reflection, thinking it is another female cardinal. Cardinals keep the same mates and it's breeding season. But hey, I could be totally wrong here too!!! lol

love you!

Jennifer Richardson said...

So glad you're painting again
....your encouraging words sing
with life and I needed it so tonight.
Grateful for you and your bird whimsy:)
Years ago, a bird kept doing that to a storm door...kind of freaked me out.
It seemed so self destructive....like it was angry at it's own reflection.
I felt like it was a picture of my own heart.....some self-hatred in me.
It got my attention fast.
I went to the Lord and asked Him to
sort me out.....get that out of me.

Sometimes when I want to beat myself up, I remember that poor bird hurling herself against the glass
"mirror" and reconsider.

Loving you,
Jen

rachel awes said...

sending love to your
flying & painting & being!
xox

chrissy said...

you have NO idea how perfect the timing of your sweet blog post was for me. thank you!
c

Tricia said...

What a beautiful post and wonderful message Lee Ann! I like to think that all my years of waiting are leading up to something wonderful...something that only God can envision.

Your painting is beautiful :)

hugs ♥ tricia

Unknown said...

hi lee ann :)i was told to check out your blog from a friend...who just read my post on WAITING. i've been waiting for God to answer me this BIG prayer and i've been waiting for what feels like forever! in the waiting, doubt has crept in, making me wonder if God is doing anything at all. i know that's not really true, but in the midst of waiting, your mind does funny things. i realized after reading a great scripture today that it's really a trust issue i'm dealing with. *sigh* i'm just hoping the wait isn't too much longer :) thanks for this post...i needed it!

{alicia}

Jamie said...

Love the cardinal. We've been having a bout with baby Blue Jays around here. Having to keep the cats locked in..keep painting.

Nancy said...

Girlfriend, I have missed you so much......Your encouraging words and beautiful paintings have always been so inspiring to me. I love this red bird you are painting and I can't wait to see the end result......

Yes, I know about continuing to hit my head into a wall...been there and done that but slowly learning not to do it as often.......my time away has brought forth much fruit and I hope I can continue in a positive direction and not take so many steps backward....

One thing is for sure, I can always count on you to encourage me and to guide me to the one with the answers......You are truly a jewel placed in my path by a loving Father.....

Hugs and blessings,