Do you remember the sky in January of 1999? Because it was a deeper, richer blue than it has ever been before. And the clouds were fluffier and the sun was brighter and the rain was a gift and not a nuisance. It was the month I learned that The Man liked me back, and we’ve been together ever since.
That’s the kind of crazy thing that happens when you’re in love – your eyes see things different. And you look around and wonder how you could have ever missed all these gifts exploding from every rock and tree branch.
When you know you are beloved, regular life looks different than it did before. But it isn’t just romantic love that does this – I think it’s bigger, more broad than just that. When you believe you play a vital role in the story, when you know beyond a doubts shadow that your art has meaning, when you are living as though God is real and not just a nice idea, things change. And snow on the azaleas is no longer an unwelcome delay to spring but a surprising, delightful morning gift.
That is beautiful. I can honestly say that your writing has nudged me to really know…really understand…how God loves me. And the grace that can be found in knowing that. He is leaving letters for me everywhere until I finally get it.
Honeybee´s last [type] ..Allowing is Like Jumping
what a gift. thank you for this.
Emily´s last [type] ..how to cure bad vision
My wife and I were married in January of 1999. A special month indeed. It was like my life went from black and white to color, and the color has never faded. I have seen God like this over the years as well. There are times when his presence is so real that the world can’t help but shine brighter.
emily, yes. it has almost been a year since my eyes were opened and i knew that i was His beloved.
He revealed this through the gift He has given me to create with flowers. i was using my gift, but felt it had no “spiritual purpose.” He changed my vision. forever.
adornedlife´s last [type] ..counterclockwise
love love
The photo..
your words.
deb @ talk at the table´s last [type] ..finding robins in winter just so
What a beautiful photo, and what a lovely thought to accompany it.
I am so glad The Man liked you back! What joy awaited the two of you! I’m glad you’ve had eyes to see it–and a heart to share it with the rest of us.
Richella at Imparting Grace´s last [type] ..Re-thinking background colors
So true, and very good! Thank you for sharing.
Sarah´s last [type] ..Taking a Stroll
I completely agree, Emily! I’ve seen this transformation in my own life – toward living more as He intended me to live…more wholly and freely me…and to *see* how He loves. Mmmmm….such sweetness in your words!
Amy´s last [type] ..waiting it out
You have a gift of saying so much with so few words! These are the thoughts that will tumble in my mind today: “When you believe you play a vital role in the story, when you know beyond a doubts shadow that your art has meaning, when you are living as though God is real and not just a nice idea, things change.”
Thank you for giving me (and I’m sure so many others) the nudge to seek after something more. Hopefully, I can now pass that nudge along (I already got a note from somebody that they are going to try to). God bless!
Laura´s last [type] ..Be of good cheer it is I be not afraid
Too often I don’t look through eyes of love. This is a good reminder because it does change how we see things.
Stacey´s last [type] ..Conundrums
Ya know, I *do* remember the bluer-than-blue skies of January, 1999. That’s when my man and I found out we were having 2 babies!
Beautiful words here, Emily. God shows his realness all the time, and it’s beautiful when I open my eyes to see and know that what I know is the real deal.
{And your azalea picture-even with snow-is a gift to me! I haven’t lived near them in forever and I miss them!}
Kristen-Chasing Blue Skies´s last [type] ..Quality Time with Growing Kids
I think you’re right – it’s amazing how different the world looks when you feel that way. Beautiful shot.
I’ve started to view myself as God’s beloved the last couple of months, which has been eye-opening, wonderful, and terrifying all at once. Such a paradigm-shift to view myself as loved for who I am, just as I am. Thank you for sharing this joy today, Emily.
HopefulLeigh´s last [type] ..Meeting a Meat and Three
I love all of this. I have to adjust my glasses quite frequently…and this helped with my prescription
JoAnn´s last [type] ..The Hairless Squirrel- The Wet Shoes- And The Frazzled Mommy
Funny how much of a difference feeling loved and feeling love can have on our perspective. I needed that reminder today, Emily.
Thanks!
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..Someone please make it stop!
Amen!
Well put.
Beautifully written…..as always
Kathryn´s last [type] ..giveaway
Oh, this reminds me of something I spoke about once that I need to find and write about again… about The Knight in shining armor riding on the clouds loving ME. Amazing. Thanks for the reminder.
Yes, so true!
When I was pregnant I always felt blessed, and filled with purpose and part of something so much bigger than myself (literally, bigger than myself!).
imoomie´s last [type] ..Try…
I totally love this. I have found that, as I get older, I look more for the hand of God in my life. Because I am looking, I am finding it often. And because I am finding that, everything around me is more peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for this message today.
Pattyann´s last [type] ..Dancing
How life-altering would this attitude be if we could always have it?
debbie bailey´s last [type] ..A Pretty Quilt
Being loved by the King changes everything!
I love this!
dawn´s last [type] ..Saturday
Favorite.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..Short and Sweet
The trees were greener today than I have ever seen them. And suddenly, they looked very individual … different species – different shapes, different colors, different purposes. What a gift. God could have made them all the same.
I just pre-ordered your book! Smile, smile. I hope it reads like your blog.
Love this! I just read Annie Dillard’s chapter, “Seeing,” in her Pilgrim at Tinker Creek: “There are lots of things to see, unwrapped gifts and free surprises. The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand . . . . It’s all a matter of keeping my eyes open.” Learning to keep my eyes open this week . . . and thank you for the reminder!
Julianna´s last [type] ..Viking Bottoms
Every time I visit here I am extremely touched by your words. They flow so gracefully, so rich in love. Thank you for always pointing me back to the Father!
Barbie´s last [type] ..Ive Moved!
I love this. Thank you for sharing.
Emily´s last [type] ..Back to Winter
another great picture:D i have to admit, I visit your blog sometimes just to see some nice pictures that would inspire me… and it usually works:)
Bani´s last [type] ..Groom Wedding Speech