My blog of June 21st encouraged all our readers to create in the best way you felt led, whether it’s decorating cakes, doing crafts, painting or writing. The last photo in the blog was the start of a rose I was working on in pastel. It was labor of love and a tribute.

Rose blog 1

The idea of the rose really started back in May. All the ladies at church received roses that morning for Mother’s Day. My mom died many years ago. Mother’s Day has always been an interesting time for me because I of the somewhat uneasy relationship I had with my mom. While it was nowhere as difficult as some children have with their parents, it certainly wasn’t perfect. With God’s grace I had made heart-peace with her many years back.

At any rate after the service was over, I went up front to speak with someone and on my way, I heard a lady that I really didn’t know, but had seen, say “Oh, I forgot my rose.” I retrieved it for her and turned around to give it to her. 

When I did, she did something unexpected—she hugged me. Not an ordinary hug, but an embrace that showered me with a mother’s love. A love that says you are accepted, enjoyed, valuable, cherished. Sometimes we are touched by the hand of God in unusual ways. That is what happened to me with that hug on Mother’s Day. I felt all of God’s grace and mercy being poured out on me at that moment.

My heart was overflowing with joy and soon I found myself wanting to paint that lovely lady a surprise rose. I searched and found a lovely photo taken by a very talented guy, Terry Krysak, in Richmond, BC. Here is the original:

rose blog 2

I wrapped it up and quietly gave it to the anointed lady with a smile and a note explaining what happened and the reason for the painting. Since then she has continued to pray and encourage me. Here is the completed painting.

Leslas Rose

Recently, I submitted Lesla’s Rose to the Paint My Photo JULY/ AUGUST/SEPTEMBER  2018 Pastel Challenges and won First Place! Voting is done by pastel artist peers so it was a lovely surprise as well.

As many of you know, my heart has been crushed by the death of my dear husband back in June. Nevertheless, the crushing of rose petals can bring a sweet smell. As I offer myself up daily to walk in praise and joy, remembering his tender care for me, this little gift of love and the award it engendered has been a pleasant surprise. 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

 


1 Comment

Thank you and Merry Christmas - lgabel.com · December 20, 2018 at 8:35 am

[…] has continued to paint – both on a commission basis, in learning new techniques, and in exploring a new painting […]

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