Many artists create in a studio. A studio is safe. A studio is comfortable. A studio is controlled. However, unless an artist gets out of the studio...their work will become stale. "Plein Air" painters abandon their studios in favor of being in the elements. They embrace the unpredictability of being outside to gain the benefit of creating in the moment. There can be issues that arise. Heat, cold, bugs, interruptions from their surroundings, wind, lacking a larger selection of supplies, lighting changes, and a host of other issues can cause "plein air" painting to be challenging. However, the artist knows that the issues they face are worth the opportunity to embrace the moment for the sake of their art.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
Many people try to control every area of their life. They create a false sense of security by attempting to plan, prep, and prepare for all things. Their world does not embrace the moment because it is unpredictable. Though planning, prepping, and preparing are all good things....we cannot isolate ourselves from life. Life happens. We must learn to find contentment in whatever we face. Sometimes things do not go our way. Sometimes things go horribly wrong. Sometimes things are amazing. Sometimes we are blessed beyond our imagination or what we think/feel we deserve. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds of "for everything there is a season". Our contentment does not come from our circumstance, but it is founded in our HOPE! We know that if we follow Christ, we have a hope & peace that passes all understanding in all situations. In having this...we can embrace all that life has for us. We can find the beauty in the everyday, the special times, and even in the trials we face(knowing that they are a time to trust the Lord in a knew & greater way...and that those trials build our testimony in which we can minister to those around us).
GET OUT...LIVE LIFE...TRUST GOD
PRAYER
Dear Lord, please help me to live life in You!
Help me to find my contentment in You!
May my testimony bring You glory because it is
Your story lived out through my life.
May I embrace today..knowing You are already there..no matter what I face!!
In Christ's Name, AMEN
Wonderful. Ecclesiastes 3. One of my favorites. I'm learning that EVERYTHING has a season.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Good morning Ted! Thank you for doing this. I appreciate it more than you'll know. On days like today with children that are too sick to attend church, it's such a blessing. I thank God that you post a devotional that is so relatable. I was in a situation yesterday that was so frustrating because I relied on someone else's directions that led us literally in the middle of nowhere. I had to take a deep breath because she was my passenger! God revealed to me that we were still safe, we were in route to a fun time as a family and had the funds to take small trips. It turned my frustration into appreciation. Thank you again and have a wonderful week!
ReplyDelete