wings ...

We raise our children and then when they are ready, they soar into their world; we give them their wings that they might broaden their horizons - to learn - to explore - to experience.

Occasionally an enemy that threatens to clip their wings - quaking in fear of the unknow, they seek a place of refuge.

I too want to find that place of refuge - a place where I can rest - a place that will provide me shelter.

Our worlds have been rocked beyond understanding and I find myself in a place of uncertainty and doubt, questioning my ability to adequately provide them their wings. What advice can I possibly give that will help heal their hurt? Contrary to what I most ardently desire, I can't fix things for them.

Out of this mindset, I turned to the book of Psalms and found Ps 55.6 - it seemed to describe for me exactly the way I was feeling... "Oh that I had the wings of a dove - I would fly away and be at rest" Mindful of a challenge on SCS to use circles on a card & this card for additional inspiration, I worked out some graphic images that I felt would work. I found the DP in my stash - it was an unopened package of scenic 12x12 and I loved the color of the sky of this particular piece. As a final touch, I added dew drops to create an effect of rays and Spica Glitter pen to give the dove a little pizazz.

With the card now finished, I began to think about why that particular verse struck me. I wanted to flee. I wanted an escape. As I contemplated my thoughts, I realized there was some real stinkin' thinkin' happening. I was getting very close to throwing one amazing pity party!! and yet deep down I knew that wouldn't solve anything - nor would I feel any better...

To escape is not an option, for although I would love to fly away and be at rest, this is the place to which I have been called - this is the place where I must stay. This is the time when I must, once more, turn to the One who has called me - who knows me by name - who knows my childen - who knows all that has come our way - to turn to Him for ultimately, He is my Refuge - my Strength - and under His wings I will find shelter.

and before I leave you, my reader, with some incorrect impressions... I still don't have this all figured out. I know that there are going to be lots of days ahead where I'll want to bury my head in the sand - or crawl into a hole - or fly away to find rest - but for now - for this moment - I think I can say that I'm OK - that God's going to help us through - that somehow one day things will be different. That hope is what I'm hanging on to...