An excerpt from my book When Grace Finds You.

I pick up my brush to paint your likeness

I open my bottles of paint

I’m certain I know your colours

Confident with no restraint

But as I start to work

I hear a voice speak low

It whispers softly, saying, “You’ve got

So much more to know.”

“You’re weary under loads of care

Your brow is furrowed still

Paint me bigger, wider, bolder

The canvas I must fill.”

So I paint him bigger

Then I paint him strong

He’s mightier than I thought he was

His power reaches long

The voice returns once more and says

“You move so quick with fear

Paint me kinder, softer, gentler

I’m the One who draws you near.”

So I paint him kinder

Shades of mercy I then add

He’s more gentle than I ever dreamed

He lifts my burden and makes me glad

I’m done my sketch and hand it to Him

He smiles with a fatherly glow

“I’ll treasure this,” he says to me

“And there’s even more to know.”

I turn from my play and look in his eye

His strength shines bright and clear

But as I tremble in its rays

He whispers, “Daughter, have no fear.”

“I’ll serve you always and change the world.

I’ll bear the burden bravely.”

He shakes His head and lifts my chin

“You’ve dropped your gaze from me.”

“I’m big, so do not worry.

I’m kind, so don’t be afraid.

Look at me and be transformed.

You’re safe and being re-made.

He spun me towards his own canvas.

A masterpiece it will be

“Hand me that brush, sweet daughter of mine.”

At peace, I do it with glee.¹

1. LANDIE, F. (2021). When grace finds you: Say goodbye to perfectionism and find peace. WORD ALIVE PRESS. ↩︎