Grace to Glory

It’s a brave new world these days. As of this past weekend, the world is literally shutting down, and we are into self-quarantines and “sheltered in place” within our homes or residences. Due the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), all schools, most stores and airlines are closed, restaurants are on a take-out basis only, and churches are quickly learning how to post worship videos online. Because my mom is in the elderly, most vulnerable population, her retirement complex went into lockdown late last Sunday night. Now when she needs supplies, we have to drop them off at the front door of the center and the staff will deliver the bags to her door. And the forecast for this upheaval of our normal life changes from day to day – it started as a 2-week isolation period; today, reports indicate it may extend to the middle of April or beyond. For artists and small business owners, this is an especially difficult road. All three of my representative galleries are closed and my scheduled shows for April and May are slated to be postponed or cancelled. Facing this new day, though, I am immensely grateful for healthcare professionals, janitors, grocery and convenience store staff, Ruby’s Pantry staff members who have taken to standing in parking lots in an effort to ensure that essential food is distributed to those in need, and for all those workers who show up to provide lifesaving care, keep the power and heat on in our homes, and generally work to ensure that we will survive this crisis. And I am so thankful that all our children and grandchildren are safe and have been given this time off by their companies or have the autonomy to work from home. And I’m trusting that there will surely be a light at the end of this tunnel – that time when we come out of our isolation, gather together again, and begin to rebuild our lives and communities.

This week’s painting seems to speak of better days ahead. Despite the chaos of our world (and the current snow falling at our house), Spring has officially returned! Praise the Lord! The annual maple syrup sugaring is in process and we are hearing reports of Sandhill Crane and bear sightings in our area. It’s sometimes a challenge determining a title, but I discovered a list of 50 favorite names for boats and this one seemed to fit this painting perfectly. Grace to Glory, is a 9” x12” watercolor capturing a picturesque scene – a spectacular sunset and a rowboat sheltered in a peaceful harbor.