In His Right Hand

In His Right Hand

Today started out well. In spite of pain, I was able to accomplish several tasks that are normally quite challenging for me. It is a BEAUTIFUL day in northern Indiana, as each day this week has been. I kept my phone nearby for the call from the new specialist for scheduling the procedure for alleviating this pain.

Only, when they called, I learned that the tests show nothing wrong, and there will be no treatment. 

I must admit, I have not handled this well. I want to be faithful and strong and brave, and tell you that all is well. It is well, but I am not feeling it. I am just struggling with questions... 

Updated - NLA

I know this may sound like I am asking for encouraging notes and "suck-it-up-cupcake" comments, but that is not why I write this. In an effort to live transparently, I am sharing this difficult battle. I would generally consider myself to be a happy, cheerful person, and I hope that my paintings and my blog reflect that. I am completely confident that my foundation is secure, and my Heavenly Father makes no mistake in my life. But today, I am not finding it easy to get my emotions to go along with my mind. 

One of the things that having nearly debilitating pain in my dominant shoulder and arm has done for my painting is to focus me even more on composition and color theory and good painting technique. I have been painting left-handed (!) and it has caused me to pay attention in a different way. Painting with my non-dominant hand in this painting has led to some techniques that I had not tried before, and to results that I have been trying to find. I have to slow down to make my left hand do what I want it to do. And I love how this painting turned out!

In every painful situation of my life, including times of deep loss, GOD has eventually brought about good. Even great good. He has worked things out for His glory, and the good of my family, myself, and many times help and encouragement for other people.  I have no doubt that He will do the same with this 'bump in the road'. He, after all, never fails. 

Isaiah 41:10
‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’