Santiago, Chile – Casa Esperanza …. a simple pain speckled paintbrush will be a reminder of an encounter with God.
Inside the walls of an orphanage for girls, I’m sitting on a bucket, paint brush in hand filling in a large mural with joyful colors. Unfamiliar words are softly spoken behind me, repeated, I don’t understand? She probably wants to help paint? No hablas espanol? What if she isn’t careful & paints whatever she wants? Someone has taken 2 days to draw out this whole design, what if she doesn’t stay within the lines? I keep carefully painting, gently a small hand interrupts, takes the brush from me and helps me paint inside the circle. I praise her for her ability and thank her. But Lord forgive my pride and self sufficiency, focusing on doing the task well instead of connecting with this one who was created in your image. This one who wanted to be included was gentle in her brush taking, just as you God are gentle with me.
Come closer my child, spend time with me, I will teach you my ways. I will transform you into my likeness as you surrender. You can find freedom in me beloved, living and loving through my precious son Jesus, moving in his power and authority. Trust me, love me wholeheartedly, live fully dependent on me and you will find freedom.
The choice is mine, to surrender daily, to thrive under his authority, his love and his promises.
Thank you world racers for giving me a glimpse of living fully dependent on God, for your testimonies to God’s abundant provisions and the joy in the journey wherever he leads you!
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Written by my mother, Pam Van Eck, after our PVT in Santiago, Chile.
