When I began working on this series of paintings, I knew that I wanted to
capture the beauty of God found in nature. I had just finished my series, “Hope,”
where I painted landscapes inspired by photos that were taken at the most
beautiful places all around the country.
When I think about God’s beauty in nature, I automatically think about
these breathe-taking places—mountains, waterfalls, blue waters. God’s beauty is
so apparent in these places, but what I began to realize is that God’s beauty is
also apparent in seemingly ‘ordinary’ places.
These landscapes were painted around my parent’s property in Jones
County, Mississippi, one of those ‘ordinary’ places, especially to me since I grew
up here. No mountains, no waterfalls, no blue waters---just trees, grass, and
murky brown waters!
As I continued working on these paintings, I kept thinking about the word
‘wonder’ and what it means.
The song “Wonder” by Bethel kept playing over and over in my mind.
“Wide eyed and mystified
May we be just like a child
Staring at the beauty of our King”
The song goes on to say:
“May we never lose our wonder”
Listening to those lyrics over and over, I began to realize that I had lost
some of my wonder. I was so focused on the big displays of God’s beauty that I
was completely missing all the little moments that God shows out. The little
yellow butterflies that are everywhere this time of year, the beginning of the
leaves turning, the sounds of the crickets at night, the little cool breezes: the list
is endless.
God made all those little things. He spoke them into life.
I began to see the truth in those little things in my life as well. It's easy to
praise God when He does something big is your life, but what about the little
things? The whispered prayers to keep your husband safe on this drive to work,
the fact that you woke up this morning healthy and alive, that you have a warm
place to sleep at night and food on the table.
God provides those little things. He watches over us all, and yet it’s so
easy to forget how amazing that is.
The God of the universe cares about every aspect of our lives ,and
also takes the time to create beautiful little yellow butterflies.
I love this quote by Mark Batterson from his book, Draw the Circle.
“God is great not just because nothing is too big for Him; God is also great
because nothing is too small.”
I hope these paintings can serve as reminders to always be in awe-struck
wonder of our God for big amazing things He does in our lives, but also for
everyday ‘ordinary’ blessings!
May we never lose our wonder of God’s beauty in nature and our
lives!
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
Exodus 15:11
‘Wonder’ releases October 20th with The Caron Gallery!
