Missing Peace

Missing Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27
 
     The shapes of puzzle pieces have always intrigued me, especially the ones that look like people. An image difficult to be unseen once noticed. As an artist, I wanted to capture this in a painting. The shape seems simple enough. Being an over thinker, choosing the perfect design and colors for painting the piece proved difficult.
Taking a journey to the back of my daughter’s closet, I pull down a box from the top of a dark shelf and return to my table of art. Here I begin removing all the pieces resembling a person. Studying the colors and designs on each, I sketch out a few ideas, none of which spark a creative flame. I leave the bleach-white puzzle shape on my canvas for another day.
     Then it happened! One of those beautiful moments when your entire body, from your head down to your toes, burns with an overwhelming joy. An all-consuming peace showing up out of nowhere during the darkest winter storm when there is really no reason to be joyful.
     This, this is what I want to capture in that sterile white shape on the canvas! A depiction of burning passion running from the soul to the heart and all the way to the toes. Blood red is the perfect color for the passion filling us in those unexpected moments; like a vein of peace and joy running through our body. Something like this can only come from the Holy Spirit himself.
     Blue, for the blue moods brought about by the battles we are all fighting, should surround the red excitement running through. Battles with loneliness, fear, sorrow, or rejection. There is no fathomable reason why we should be filled with such joy at a time when gale winds are holding us down as we defend our tenderness from the sharpness of a storm that could destroy us. But not on this day, for we are filled with glee in the presence of God as our earthly problems have become small when compared to His love for us. Blue Mood has been chased away by the blue hues of inner peace and tranquility as joy warms and soothes our soul; just like a grilled cheese partnered with tomato soup satisfies one’s hunger on a cold blustery day.
     Paints spread out, canvas before me, I pick up a brush and streak an acrylic line of bold red paint flowing from the head, to the heart, to the toes. Then the blues will be added, to be noticed by others as an unexplained peace in our lives and becoming our witness to God’s love and trustworthiness.