You see this past summer I was in a funk, a rut of sorts. A case of the spiritual blaaahhhss. So I prayed to God! "Please Lord bring your love back to life inside of me." I guess I was feeling just stuck. If you know what I mean? So I prayed" Lord please bless me with opportunities that you can shine through me to others, that others can see you..feel you...and come to know you. Lord I know you gave me an artistic talent for a reason, but I feel so lost with how to use it right now. Please Lord give me a sign as to how you want me to use it."
I lifted that heart felt prayer up at the end of June. Then my family went on a little vacation around the 4th of July. When we returned there was this message on my answering machine. "Hi, This is Shorehaven Living Center we would like to talk to you about a mural." :) Hee Haw!! I thought this was God's answer to my heartfelt prayer."
As I met with the director of the facility she explained the purpose of the mural. It would be called the Forever Tree, and wasn't just a piece of art, it actually had a purpose. The facility was going to hang little photos on the tree of residents that have passed on to their "forever" home. Their eternal home. I can't begin to tell you how honored I was to do this mural.
I have painted murals for nurseries, daycares, high schools, bedrooms, kitchens, doctor's offices, but I never had the opportunity to paint for this stage of life. I felt very humble, and felt God's presence with me like I never did before.
I returned a few days later with the sketch for the director and some of the residents to see. There were lots of oohs and ahhs, but what got me the most was when one of the residents looked up at me from her wheelchair with such a peaceful look on her face, and said "it so beautiful, and to think someday I will be a part of this tree is even more special." Man it took everything in my power to hold it together. I lifted up a silent prayer saying..."thank you Lord for this wonderful opportunity."
It took me about a week to finish the mural. During that time I got to know many of the elderly residents that lived there. Every morning I walked in, and would see the residents face light up, and call out to their friends, "the artist is here, the artist is here." I have to tell you, that put such a smile on my face. At home I'm know as the mom, the maid, the mama, hey you, and honey. But here I was known as "THE ARTIST!" I kinda liked the sound of that. :)
Many of the residents would come up and watch me paint, and visit with me. I would have to giggle, because one minute I turned around and they were watching me, and the next they were napping in their chairs. LOL! I thought,"I'm really that exciting hey??"
But I really did love to getting to know them. Each one had a story to share.
There was Iona who is 101 years old and with a smile that would make your heart melt. She would sing the good morning song every time she was wheeled up to eat her breakfast. She shared with me she is the youngest of 13 children. I told her "well looks like they saved the best for last!!!" She replied..."I like you." Then there was Karina who came over to America from Croatia in 1951. Who shared with me that her husband passed away some time ago. When I told her I'm sorry to hear that.. she replied ..."good riddins!!." Oh, and let's not forget little Milton who would invite me to happy hour (which by the way is at 3:00 in the afternoon.) but when told they were going to have a party to unveil the mural he asked.."Is there gonna be booze?" LOL. Finally, the family dog that lives there, Al. A full size Collie. Oh so sweet, and loved to steal the food from the residents plates. He even came and drank some water in my paint bucket. He was the sweetest dog, and you could tell he loved all of the residents. Each one of them touched my heart and I feet so blessed to be a part of this project.:)
The day of the unveiling party was such a honor. The room was filled with family and friends of the residents that passed on to their forever home. The families were invited to hang a photo of their loved one on the mural. It was such a beautiful event, memories shared of "she had a strong faith."or He was stubborn." It really was such a wonderful example of the human spirit, and the beauty of life.
It really made me stop and think about life and how short it is. I couldn't help but reflect what does my life say about me? What would others say about me when I'm only just a memory? The words to a song popped up in my head. " Was I love, when no one else would show up? Was I Jesus to the least of us? Was my worship more than just a song?"
I'm a Christian, and at times, it's not easy. Sure it's easy to say I'm a Christian, it's entirely different to act like one, and live a Christ like life. You see God puts HIS spirit inside each one of us. His spirit helps us to show love for others, to forgive the unforgivable, to be show hope to the hopeless. He gave each one of us gifts and abilities, to bring Him glory. He calls us His masterpiece, created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Eph 2:10.
You get one trip through this life, and someday we ALL will stand before a righteous God. When I look back at my life, I want to leave a deposit, a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ. I want my children and grandchildren to stand firm in their faith no matter what this chaotic world throws at them. I want them to know they have a purpose as they wait for Heaven. I want to live my life as a testimony to all this!
I left Shorehaven that summer day with my cup overflowing with love for our Heavenly Father. He gave me a new revelation about my life, put a spark in my heart. I was so grateful to be able to serve Him with the talent He blessed me with. We serve an awesome God! I feel blessed to be loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing...which I don't do well..so I'll paint
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