The sun comes out after two days of rain and I watch the shadows show up in the backyard. A pile of clean, unfolded clothes hangs out heavy on top of the dyer, and I sigh when I look at it. I so should have kept the ironing board. I pull out the first thing I see, purple leggings tangled up with The Man’s t-shirt and a pair of underwear. I begin to fold and dream about all the other things I’d rather be doing.
The gift given to me by the hand of grace is encouragement. I have been equipped to encourage through writing. I find moments to write the way a dog looks for food. I take them greedy when they come and I steal them if they don’t. But some days neither is possible, and that’s where I am today, standing in front of the dryer, folding wrinkled clothes.
We’ve talked about the fear of art, of entering into a stare-down with your gift and daring yourself to win. But what is even scarier sometimes is standing in the laundry room, watching the shadows show up in the backyard. What am I doing here? Where is the art? It takes faith to believe in the midst of the ordinary, to continue to turn to Christ in every ordinary moment and trust that as you do so, he will turn you back out again.
I have lived entire seasons in my laundry room, at my kitchen sink, on the bathroom floor. I have sat in the middle of the night with two screaming babies and looked desperately for some creative expression. I have wondered if I have any thing to offer, any gifts to give. I don’t believe the answer is ever to whisk myself away to a remote island and figure out my purpose, although I wouldn’t turn down that ticket.
I do believe the answer is to turn to Jesus, to look for my reflection in his face, to trust even though it doesn’t feel true, to ask him to make beauty out of the ordinary gray. All of our things look different. It’s not always a message or an experience or a speech or a book. Everyone may not have a book to write. But everyone has a story, yes? And we get to choose the story we live. Sometimes our art is big and loud. Most times, it isn’t. Most times, it’s a quiet word, a choice to love anyway, a grace-filled glance, a still tongue, a hot dinner, a made bed, a flint-faced belief.
I am an artist, and I make art with my words, my pictures, my ladle, and my dishrag.
Thank you, Emily! This is such a tangible message this morning. Thank you for taking the time to write this out, to share your struggles and the overcoming. You are an encouragement, indeed.
Alie´s last [type] ..on missing before you leave
Amen.
you’ve hit the nail on the head with/for me this morning. I so appreciate your encouragement… it’s like Ann Voskamp said in her book… it’s like embracing the empty – to fill.
Bevy´s last [type] ..Emptying to Fill
Thank you for reminding us that everything we do- even the most mundane- is CREATING. Have to go create a clean kitchen sink…bye for now.
Wow. You have beautifully put into words exactly what I feel so much of the time. Thank you for sharing your gift of encouragement!
YES!
Will be thinking of your words as I tackle my own laundry pile in a bit…
Corinne´s last [type] ..creative youth
Last night I had 4 (FOUR!!!) baskets of clean, unfolded laundry to fold, hang and put away. Did I mention, FOUR baskets? And all I wanted to do was write. I seriously would write a few sentences and then go try to fold a bit. Then I’d think of something else I wanted to jot down…and then I’d tear myself away to fold some more. Then I’d think, “Oh, i want to change that word…” and I’d quickly log back on and change it. And write a bit more. Then I’d go back to folding and hanging and putting away.
It took me about 2 hours of that nonsense.
But that is my life right now. It sounds a lot like yours. Thank you for putting into words what is happening in my heart and home.
Sandy
Sandy Cooper´s last [type] ..For the Entire Month of May
I struggle so often to know how to balance all of my different responsibilities — I want so much to create, but I haven’t yet learned how to create while still being the maker of my home.
Laura´s last [type] ..The Widows Mite- Introduction to the Mothers Day Series
You’ve spoken so wisely once again, Emily. You’re right. Your gift is encouragement. It’s what you do best. I feel it this morning…and I so needed it. Thank you for choosing to use your gift for our benefit.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..My Guy
such sweet encouragement, and sorely needed on this dreary a.m. the balance is hard to find. it is good to remember that sometimes it is more about creating something small and beautifully sweet than long and profound. there is a time for both. you’ve expressed that well. thank you.
There is worse than ‘ordinary gray’. When ‘ordinary gray’ is taken away…you find that it is not really ordinary..that there is much worse..and ‘ordinary gray’ becomes precious. Without gray, red would be ordinary indeed.
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Ying Ming!
I struggle with time. And people wonder how when I don’t have any children to care for. But I work. And I have a husband and two dogs and a ministry I work with and community group to attend. And then I need to get to the gym. And what about dinner? The laundry piles up too (as well as the dishes in the sink). It’s then 10pm and I need to go to bed. And there was no art that day.
I’m working towards always making time and to looking to Jesus to help me find time for all of it. Thank you for reminding me that I am not the only one to struggle with this as well as to remind me that there is hope and a way out.
Leslie Knight´s last [type] ..the walk before the run
“Everyone may not have a book to write. But everyone has a story, yes? And we get to choose the story we live.”
You couldn’t have more perfectly summed up the very thing I’ve been thinking for the last month or so. I’m truly learning to choose my story and live it to the fullest. And doing so has brought so much peace and contentment, so much freedom. Anyway, I’ve loved the posts of these last few months, Emily. Thank you for choosing to make art this year.
Imperfect´s last [type] ..On Feeling Invisible
Thanks, Emily – I am an artist and I make art with my paintbrush, my vacuum, my advice to my teenage daughters, my salt shaker, and my prayers. I am stuck on “overwhelmed” right now.
Thank you for finding the time to use your gift to encourage me.
-Trish
Trish @TheOldPostRoad´s last [type] ..A Little Sunday Scripture
Great post, I can so relate as well. It’s inspiring to be reminded to find creativity in the what seems the most mundane of task. Laundry is a never ending chore, i currently have 4-5 clean loads to fold and 2 to still wash.
Elle´s last [type] ..Need a litttle push towards your creative goals
Awesome words this morning! And I am also behind on my laundry!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..The Weekend Edition of Living the Balanced Life
Ah, my soul needed this today, friend. Thanks for life-giving words.
Holley´s last [type] ..What our hearts need to hear again
You most certainly have been equipped to encourage through writing! And your words today, friend, were no exception. I don’t want to begrudge the ordinary but rather live those moments all for Him.
Jamie @ Six Bricks High´s last [type] ..Gift Counting Continued 61-70
Well said, Emily the Encourager!
You are a blessing!
Shilo´s last [type] ..My Beautiful Family
“to trust even when it doesn’t feel true.” Exactly where I am right now also. Thank you for sharing these words today.
Amy Nabors´s last [type] ..When There is Still Hope
Sometimes it isn’t about time either. Sometimes there is a river rushing. I want to create. But, the current is so fast. Racing around the boulders of so many un-named emotions. Once in a while the current slows…briefly…and I do something creative…and if feels so wonderful…I could float in that lazy river forever. The next day I come back to its shores to enjoy its warm inviting waters where I can float on my little round tube of creativity. But that lazy river has turned into class 5 rapids. And I’m frozen.
Today I was inspired by another favorite blogger to create. But, this time before I go down to the river I should turn to Jesus. I do know from whom my gift comes. Why have I not invited him to be a part my art?
Thanks Emily for your ever so honest words. May you in turn find joy and inspiration in all you do….and me HE redeem your time as well.
NOW the reply button works for stoopidphone…:( I added a ps to you in my comment cuz phone wudnt do b4. Beautiful response. -s-
This morning as I hid under my covers pretending the snooze button bought me hours instead of minutes, I told God all the things I could/would do if I didn’t have to got to work today. He said, “But that isn’t your job today.” Oh ya. I love the – We get to live the story we live. Words to live by… Thank you~
Robyn Q´s last [type] ..Staring Into Radiance
Love.
Christin´s last [type] ..Day 1 31 Days to Clean
I love you and your art!! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this post. It was just the encouragement I needed today!
Very nice, Emily. Your words are music to my soul.
Better get started on that laundry, it’s piled up pretty high.
you have given words to my heartstrings at 1:12 on a Monday. I thank you.
Stephani´s last [type] ..From Where I Sit
I can so relate to this post. You definitely do have a beautiful God-given gift. I feel so blessed to have stumbled on your blog today – this moment. I needed this more than I can say. Thank you. I am glad to have found you. I only read this one post {so far}, but I think we could be real life friends! Looking forward to reading more.
Be Blessed.
~Tiffany
I think the common thread within each of us is to do something beautiful, something that has impact, something more than stinky mildewed socks made sweet smelling, or sparkling a mess with a dishclothe – like you mentioned – and, so interestingly, it is through the stink, messy parts of life that we find pull something beautiful out that matches something within us! I so love your post! My husband asked if that was our laundry room – ’cause it looked like ours. I said, “No, it’s too neat.” LOL Your post describes exactly what rummages around in my heart – but you say it simply beautiful!
bluecottonmemory´s last [type] ..Unconditional Love- Rule 18
{click, click} Uh, that button is broke again. Where’s the “super love” (button) when you need it?? Argh.
Tammy@If Meadows Speak…´s last [type] ..of throwing stones
Yes, Emily, you are an artist in everything you do! When your folding-laundry thoughts give rise to such a poetic post and so many beautiful responses, you create a river of encouragement&emotion that will continue to ripple out to others. As always, thank you. -s- ps @Diane/Longaberger – I love your analogies&the pictures you made in my head! My “rapids” feel like Class5′s & the tubing pools have shrunken miserably…hugs to you&all who have spoken their hearts!
What a beautiful writing voice you have! A friend recommended you to me today, insisting I’d love you. I do, and will be back. Keep up the good work.
Blessings, Christa
Thanks for sharing this timely message. I often think while I do laundry or other household chores but would rather be doing anything else. The answer IS Jesus in this harried, busy world. if not for Him and His grace I would be empty and lost.
juliemoore´s last [type] ..GraceFull Women Daily Devo- Monday
Thank you Emily! I press on, continuing to create, for Him and to bring Him glory!
Barbie´s last [type] ..5 Minutes For Faith & God’s Comforting Embrace
i think it’s official…you definitely need to make that last statement into a bumper sticker. or a button. or something!! i need to hang it over my sink and wash a machine. so thankful that art can be made in the midst of our ordinary gray.
“entering into a stare-down with your gift and daring yourself to win”
I so understand this. I love the fact that you talk about a “season” where you are struggling to find your creative expression. This weekend I was really struggling w/the fact that I felt creatively constipated. It helps to remember that those are just seasons.
Jenny´s last [type] ..Tomorrow’s Stars Sweet Shot Tuesday
I’ve been following your blog for some time. All posts are beautiful, but this one just brought so much peace to me. I stayed up woth a sick baby last night, only to wake up this morning at 4:30a.m. and go to work. Where is the art in that? For me it was in wrapping my daughter in her blanket, placing her head just so. I know when I come back home, my work will truly just begin. Thank you for blessing my day with your words.
Thank you for this. You words are both encouraging & inspiring.
” It takes faith to believe in the midst of the ordinary, to continue to turn to Christ in every ordinary moment and trust that as you do so, he will turn you back out again.”
Encouraged so very much this day…Thanks!
What is flint faced belief? I am pondering this…is it rock solid, unchanging belief?
imoomie´s last [type] ..Faith Chain…
Sweet girl, you are echoing my thoughts today. It’s something I needed to hear—that someone else has these ideas, the doubts, and the overwhelming desire to create. Thanks for weaving such a beautiful tapestry with your words.
You’re welcome, Jenn. You are definitely not alone!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..how to make art when there’s no time for art
Wow, this was just what I needed to read right now. Even though I’m done raising little ones and am now working outside the home 3 days/week, I still struggle with all the what if’s and whys and wondering why each day seems like a blur, the same things over and over, and am I making a difference in any way? My life just seems so BORING sometimes.
My art definitely is not big and loud – it’s quiet and unobtrusive…it’s my little blog, decorating my own house, writing poetry just for myself, making my family a lovely dinner, baking something delicious for coworkers.
I need to start recognizing my art and my beauty through my husband’s eyes…or better yet, through God’s eyes. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
I hope you continue to see the beauty in the ordinary, Melanie. Thanks for speaking up tonight.
emily freeman´s last [type] ..how to make art when there’s no time for art
I love the way you ended this post. So poetic.
JoAnn
JoAnn´s last [type] ..The creative side of me
thanks, JoAnn.
emily freeman´s last [type] ..how to make art when there’s no time for art
This is lovely. One of the lines in my life mission statement is to “see Christ and be Christ” to everyone I meet. Now I feel like I should add “look for Christ’s reflection in the extraordinary and the ordinary gray.” A wonderful word picture. Also, this post reminds me to move yesterday’s laundry from the washer to the dryer — thanks!
Minnesota Transplant´s last [type] ..That’s incredible emphasis on credible
You’re welcome – and I think I still have some clothes in my washer too!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..how to make art when there’s no time for art
Thank you.
I may not have your faith, but I found your post to be very beautiful nonetheless. To find art in the daily grind is very very hard, and I’m grateful to you for pointing it out but also saying that it is possible.
ayra´s last [type] ..how do you respond to blog comments
Thanks Ayra. I don’t always remember to look for it, but I’m learning that we generally find what we seek. I’m working on finding the art these days.
emily freeman´s last [type] ..how to make art when there’s no time for art
Amen to everyone having a story to tell. Learning to tell my own story…and to live it to the ull.
Love,
Linsey
LLH Designs´s last [type] ..Broken Things
Completely beautimous.
Kristen-Chasing Blue Skies´s last [type] ..When You Feel Life Swirling
This is so lovely…and so timely. Between bouts of inspiration, the art has not stopped…it’s just steeping, in an ordinary mug. When it’s ready and is sipped upon, it is so savory and delicious.
)
Nikki´s last [type] ..Do Not Stand Alone
oh yes.
just a few tears this morning as these words find a home in my own distracted, torn and pulled and hungry heart.
thank you.
tonia´s last [type] ..in the school of prayer – prayer book
“…to look for my reflection in His face…” yes! amen. this is it, isn’t it. not WHAT is my purpose, but WHO. such a simple truth, but one i forget all too often.
once again. blessed. thank you emily~
grace.to.be´s last [type] ..Thursday- May 05- 2011
Thank you for this.
Adrienne´s last [type] ..Son Worshipper
I miss having time to come here more often.
This is so beautiful. Truly you are an artist. Truly you are an encourager. Thank you.
I needed this today. Thank you. 4 toddlers 4 and under…. I find myself often thinking that a ticket to a remote island getaway is the answer for clarity for my muddled though creative seeking mind. I NEED to be reminded all the time that it’s JESUS who is the answer and clearer of minds and the greatest creative mind and also the one who has plopped me right in this laundry/dish filled chapter of my life.
Yep. Just yep. I recognise that feeling. Turning to Jesus is the only way through those times, and I’m learning to find different ways to express my creativity. I’m an artist and I make art whenever and however I can – in the half hour between dinner and bed, most recently!
Jeni´s last [type] ..Provider