Eternal Tree

This is a bit late as I painted this a couple weeks ago but I have been waiting for words to put to this picture. Well today God finally gave me the words. The painting is based primarily on Galatians 5:22-23 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law." and I just read today Psalms 92:12-14 "But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they still produce fruit, they will remain vital and green." I read Psalms 92 after I wrote the words to this picture so I can tell you that all of this was definitely inspired NOT by myself. I drew this painting after the Bible study I went to came to an end. We had studied the fruits of the spirit and how they apply to everyday living. A different picture came to my mind and I was picturing a tree with roots stretching and intertwining with one another. I saw how: as I read God's word, spend time with him, talk to him, pray to him and thank Him for what He is doing in my life - that these spiritual qualities grow. My patience with my children miraculously grows, my desire to be kind and help others and not sit on the couch because I'm tired grows, I pictured these strong roots growing beneath the pillar. And I envisioned a full tree blooming and could see that Paul was right in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is what remains. The harvest is love. Because to love well - we need all the qualities of the Holy Spirit - at least I know I do. Without Him I wither and become dry. I hope this picture and poem encourages you as God has encouraged me through the process and also reminded me to grow - grow my roots deep. May we ever flourish, even in old age, may we remain vital and green. Amen