This fall I planted paperwhites in my garden. I have watched them grow from bulbs, to stems, and finally beautiful delicate white blooms. I later learned that paperwhites are a symbol of renewal.
I started searching for verses about renewal and found Psalm 51:10.
"Create in me a pure heart, O'God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
In this season of motherhood, it has been so hard for me to focus on anything other than Andi. I have stopped having a quiet time, reading my bible, and journaling. In my mind, I feel like I don't have time. I want to have that peaceful, quiet time like I used to have, but when you have a 1 year old, that may not happen everyday.
Since finding Psalm 51:10, I have found myself repeating it over and over in my mind just to get through the day. It has almost become my anthem over these last few months, asking God for renewal in me.
During this time I noticed something else happening too. Everything I ate and drank just didn't seem to satisfy my craving, and this verse just kept popping into my mind.
'Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:4
I began to realize that this craving I was feeling wasn't for food or drink but for God's word.
I finally decided to crack open my bible. I had been trying to finish reading the old testament for over a year now, but for some reason, I decided to start re-reading the gospels starting with Matthew, and there is was. The verse that had been ringing in my mind for weeks. I had no idea what chapter it was in and had even forgotten the context. It was Jesus' response to the devil tempting Jesus after he had fasted for 40 days.
There are so many things in my life tempting me into not spending that time with Him. I know that I can find 15 minutes everyday to read and pray (even if that time isn't quiet or peaceful in this season), but I find myself making excuses while I scroll on my phone or watch another terrible series on Netflix.
One thing I learned about paperwhites is they only bloom for maybe a week or so, and then they simply wither away. It just reminded me of how short our time on earth really is.
“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath.."
Psalm 39 4-5
Sometimes I just get so focused on the things of this life that I forget of what really matters. I forget what my soul craves.
I pray that this collection of paintings reminds us to not forget. I pray that they remind us that God doesn’t mind that our ‘quiet time’ isn’t always quiet, just as long as we show up to meet Him. I pray that they remind us how important it is for us to read God's word. I pray that they remind us that we can always be renewed in Him.
Thank you so much for reading!
This collection will be available to shop Friday, March 3rd on shelbyleighdesigns.com.
