Sixteen Days of Hope: Day 10

After 10 hours of working with the public over the weekend, it was nice getting reacquainted with the mosaic one on one today.  I was ready to move on to the tree trunk and work in a different color.    

I was amazed at how little traffic there was at Gateway today versus over the weekend, at least until lunch time.  I had the honor of talking to several people today, most wanting to know more about the project, many touched by the story that started the whole journey.  Some saw the mosaic at the beginning and have come back to check on the progress.  One of my favorite visitors today was a high school friend of mine.  I hadn't talked with her in years and it was great to catch up.  After she left, I was in awe of how God orchestrates encounters.   All the times I've gone back home and never had the time to chat with her.  Then because of a project at Gateway, through Hope Venture, we had the chance to see each other in person and talk.

I like to pause when moments like these happen and marvel at God's workings in my life.  He leads me here or there - allows me to encounter this person or hear that story and all the time He is connecting the dots, putting together the pieces.  Then I marvel that God would give me the choice.  The choice to decide who will receive the honor for the orchestrations, encounters, projects, successes, etc.  He doesn't force me anywhere or in to anything, but He leads me ever so gently.  And I choose whether or not to have an open heart and see the splendor of God all around me in the little, daily things.  I don't always heed to His leading (though I desire to), but the more I listen, hear Him, and act on His leading, the more I recognize His voice the next time.  And when I recognize His voice and choose to obey He moves in ways I couldn't imagine.  The more I experience Him, the more I want to see Him and know Him.  

This project has been one of those in which I see God's movements around every corner.  In the opening of my eyes and heart to the people around me as I work.  In the way I'm able to somehow work and still notice people at all (believe me when I am usually in the studio creating, everything else disappears, including time)  The lessons in letting go of the artwork and my daily plans for the public work times.  The hugs from "Jo" each day and the support of the people I have come to know and love from he past 10 plus years of walking at Gateway Mall.  The stepping outside myself to talk with others and share about Hope Venture.  In the interest in Hope Venture and the number of people asking how they can give or get involved.  I am overwhelmed by the things He and I have chatted about over the past ten days and the people He has brought to mind to pray for.  As friends and family have supported me this time, I have been able to turn around and support others.  I can honestly say, the only way I am still standing is by the power of God in me.  He is all over my story and will continue to be through this journey and whatever else He brings my way.