A girl, a dog and a field

My Dad is an artist and our home was chaotic growing up because he was a rock and roller and Mamma was a devout Christian and they were total opposites.  He struggled with drug addiction and she felt a lot of hurt and resentment trying to raise three kids in church without a lot of emotional support.  Our church was very charismatic and focused on a no-nonsense, Hell-fire and brimstone kind of God which felt scary and chaotic in many ways too.  I think I really dug into art because it was a way to have a connection with my Daddy and I later realized that it was an outlet of peace and escape.  I wanted to tow the lines of being both a good, Christian girl and able to relate to my father.

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And because we lived far away from the city, my days were spent wondering around the woods and fields with my dog.  I had cousins to play with sometimes but I spent a LOT of time alone in nature.  I guess it’s no surprise that I’m an introvert. When I finally got my hands on paint, it opened a world of wonderment and a place to focus my energy.

Field paintings just bring me back to those moments of being 9 years old, hair in braids, everything was sunny and quiet and simple.  No one around me to demand anything of me.  Far away from the bad things. Just me wondering under the canopy of the trees or between rows of corn, with my trusty dog to protect me.  I could pretend so many wonderful things until daylight started sinking (and crickets started chirping) and it was time to make my way back to our little house that always sat too close to the road. 

It is nature that is always reliable throughout life. The sun will always rise up again. The trees will stand and greet you like old friends when you need a break from life.  While we are zipping about our busy corporate day jobs, in a world of concrete, nature is still out there waiting quietly to embrace us again. When we have time.  No matter what.

Nature just brings with it a spirit of peace and a reminder that the earth keeps spinning and the flowers keep blooming despite our big or small worries.  This is God's work: He's steady, dependable, a calm in the chaos.

What kinds of things do you find help you create peace in a busy season of life? I know many people are stressed and struggling right now.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27

P.S. I have decided to start this blog back again (fresh) after a long hiatus.  I hope something I share will enrich your lives. I know you enrich mine!

Sincerely,
Kitty