I had about 7 minutes.
I was in between a big airplane and a small one.
Going from two pilots, a full crew and complimentary drinks twice in the flight to Snoopy flying a plane, one crew member and an aisle between seats that was to narrow to have a service cart go up and down when I got the call...
and another and another and another..and then a text, and another..and another.
I started to feel my knees buckle and for a brief 100th of a second thought "turn around and go home" even though it was a very minor "issue"..very minor. For a twelve year old that doesn't like when his momma goes away from home, the minor issue probably seemed HUGE and because when I was twelve and I did not like when my momma went away, I knew what he was feeling.
DEEP BREATH...
Outside the window, Snoopy was up on a ladder starting to spin the propellers on the plane to get the engine started when the call came over the intercom bullhorn that it was time to board....
Me being me, being a mom that is now across the country from home, has a phone vibrating in her pocket and is watching snoopy wipe the dew off of the plane window that is the size of a small fish aquarium, I had to pull up my boot straps, take a deep breath, walk out onto the runway to climb that ladder to get to the plane and just get to my seat all-the-while trying to ignore the buzzing of the vibrating phone...shoot..I needed to turn off my phone so snoopy could fly the damn plane (sorry for the language).
I got to my seat, buckled in, shut my eyes and prayed it away.
PRAYED THROUGH IT and GAVE IT AWAY.
Moral and lesson of the story = There was nothing I could do, but exactly what I did which was all I could do.
Let it go and let GOD have it. It was out of my hands..and into His, like a hot potato.
whew.
Little did I know that the above story would be exactly what I needed to go through to be able to turn it into art for the prompt that Courtney was going to send me..
Always know that something you are going through is for a reason. You have to "Go through it to grow though it", challenges lead to growth whether you are 12 or 40 something, and as the book "The Seed" quotes on page 98:
Give it to God...HE can handle it...and get going on what you are supposed to be doing.
Wow! You have NO idea how much I needed to hear this. I know God is so able. So much more able than I. Why, oh why, do I hang onto things? Thank you Stephanie & Courtney! God is SO good!
Posted by: Debbie Schulte | May 04, 2012 at 07:00 AM
I think I need a print of this piece. It's the hardest thing for me to remember. the hardest! And you did such a beautiful job expressing it!!
Posted by: Courtney Walsh | May 04, 2012 at 07:20 AM
I want to buy that canvas also!
Posted by: Beth S. | May 04, 2012 at 07:27 AM
Thank you for sharing this today...timing is so perfect.
Posted by: Nannie of 3 | May 04, 2012 at 01:51 PM
This is just needed to confirm that my gut feeling was right. My husband has a serious health issue resulting from years not seeing doctors when he was well. While he is being treated, he wants to do some things that I believe will further risk his health. I have already expressed my concern and let go. However, I need to give it to God. Only he has the control, not me. Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Helen S in Massachusetts | May 04, 2012 at 07:00 PM
First, Let me say...since this is my first comment on your blog...HOW MuCh I EnJoY reading it and how much it has inspired me spiritually and artistically(is that a word?) Thanks you Stephanie! Now...I am going to by this SEED book!And Yes!!! God is GOOD! ALL THE TIME!
Posted by: Carmenbrunson | May 05, 2012 at 08:21 AM
Thanks ! I needed that ! I have to learn to "give it away" ..... my boys are 19 and 22 years old ... and I really need to trust and relax a little ! (cause the wrinkles and gray hair are NOT fun .... even though I've earned them !) ... GREAT post !
...and I always LOVE your doodles and drawings !
Posted by: Mary Anne Drury | May 05, 2012 at 09:42 AM
When my son was deployed and we were on the phone talking, his base was hit with rpg's. He had to hang up quickly. I had to turn him over quickly and once I did I got a phone call from him saying he was ok. What a relief. I had never thought about crafting that moment but after reading your blog I am going to head out to my room from http://roomstogrowusa.web12.hubspot.com/hobbyrooom and create something that will show my distress and my surrender.
Posted by: Sam | May 06, 2012 at 09:35 AM