The solitary beach inviting lots of conversations heavenward.
Here’s a risk, talking to you this way. But why not? Lately we were in Baja California for an art-making trip. It was a great venue and a great experience (some of which I’ll share on the next e-gallery). But for the first three days, nothing was coming. After several aborted attempts at something new, and several long walks on the beach, I wrote the following prayer. Then, in an attitude of expecting an answer, I wrote what came back to me. Both are recorded below. They’re very personal, but then, I am a person. And they are very blunt, but God already knows my thoughts so I might as well voice them. Take them–the prayer and the answer–for what they’re worth. (They were worth a lot to me.)
Lord, Hi,
It was great gleaning insights of you on earth in today’s reading . . . a high point of the day. And an enjoyable day, overall. But the painting is not going well. It’s acrylic, not oil, for the trip. Anne says she’s not doing as well as hoped either. I’ve appealed to you. Apparently you don’t care. These things are not the important things. But then, when they are important, you’re just as not there. So, all this is just practice in disappointment. Sorry. But what should we do? We’ve prayed. We’ve worked. We’ve thought, talked, taken breaks, looked at the work of others. Everything in this place and time is right. And, at least for me, I don’t have any anxiety about having to perform. If it doesn’t come, so be it. Yet, I’m asking, and have asked. What do you have to say, if anything?
Hyatt
Hyatt,
Be at peace. Since when is creation easy? You’re getting back exactly what you’re putting in. You’re not working . . . not really. You think it’s deftness that does it, and luck. It’s not automatic writing. Think! Work to make one good piece. Don’t think about production. Go slow. It’s the way to quality. Make one good piece.
Love,
Your Father
Happily, the next day new work began to flow and, before we left, I’d produced ten pieces and Anne finished 20 . . . with more “give and take” prayers following. All heartening. We’re grateful.
Again, see “e-gallery,” coming Thursday.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
5:31 am
One good piece…. Sounds like good advice for a lot of things.
8:03 am
Ohhhhhhhhhh how I love honest folk as well as vulnerable folk. Thank you for sharing. To be so bold with the Father! ah! Talking to Him like He’s real……which He is and One who knows what we’re thinking anyway!!! ……and then to listen to what He had to say expecting Him to answer! Yes!!! Oh how I recall the 4th yr. of my husband’s death. One day I just screamed & yelled to God………please can’t You give me the memories without this horrendous sorrow!!!!!?? ……..and He did and has!
Again, Hyatt, thank you! How awesome not only to hear from God, but then to have the creativity come alive for you and Anne both! LOVE IT!
9:14 am
Ah yes … when we strive to do good work from within ourselves it can be a burdensome and tiring thing. But when we look to come alongside the works he is engaged in every day we find renewal, joy and a feeling of accomplishment.
9:31 am
Hyatt! You are so wonderful to share your conversations with the Lord! I love how He answered you! I love the blessings He poured on you straight from His great love for you and your honesty with Him! I have had many similar conversations. Thank you again for sharing yours. It is important that we all see how to talk to the Lord and give our all in those conversations, otherwise we will not grow in our faith and relationship with Him! And isn’t He everything on this earth? Isn’t our relationship with Him everything while we are here and for the beyond? Blessings! Lisa
10:17 am
I think we’d be surprised over just how much all of this matters to God, and how he longs to get all “tangled up in our kite strings.” I’m going for a walk.
1:10 pm
Love this!
12:50 pm
I think God appreciates blunt-ness. As you said, He already knows our thoughts. Why is it then, I feel I need time to gather my thoughts before I speak to Him? Ironic really. Thanks for sharing Hyatt, you’ve given me the kick I needed to get back to writing my letters!
1:55 pm
Hi Hyatt,
I feel like I need to apologize for being “missing in action” amoung your blog readers. I used to be so faithful and enjoyed your posts and even commented back (which is a stretch for me, as I am usually shy to do such things). Anyway, life happened including buying and selling homes, moving, getting settled, two different three week trips, etc., and a lot of time has passed since I read much of your blog or anything else for that matter. I know such things as reading blogs is optional and you are not out there somewhere wondering where I am. It’s just that I feel a kindred spirit to you and wanted to be there as one of your faithful readers. All that to say this…I’m back! Life is finally slowing down for me and I do believe I will be able to be among “the faithful” once again. And BTW, I really enjoyed today’s post….been there, done that, many times myself. But God is faithful to not keep us in the dark forever, right.
Thanks for listening,
Patty
2:13 pm
Hyatt:
I so can relate with your today’s thought. Why hide our thoughts from God? He gives them to us and knows already how we feel. Still, I’m too shy many times to ask Him to show me time to paint. When He does, I often don’t listen.
Your prayer was so encouraging to me.
Thank you,
Blessings
Ursula
2:24 pm
Your transparency is refreshing…. and somehow freeing! Thank you
3:12 pm
I was slightly shocked at Hyatt’s prayer. Sure he was disappointed and disappointed in Him. But, this is an honest and personal prayer. (I don’t want others to hear my prayers. This is a very private and intimate time with our Lord.) I was very judgmental when reading Hyatt’s prayer and then I realized how weak we all are after reading our Lord’s response. He is our creator and our Father and He truly loves us. We need to learn to listen to Him, be obedient and trust. Thank you, Hyatt, for sharing this personal time.
3:15 pm
Hyatt – Haven’t read blank slate in awhile…so fitting that I opened this one today. Thank you for sharing your “God thoughts/prayers” with us. Inspiring. But most of all I am reminded to SLOW DOWN, LET GO, LET GOD.Equally inspiring are the responses from your “followers.”
Blessings to you and Anne.
7:53 pm
Haven’t commented in a while, not because your blogs weren’t comment-worthy, I was just over the top busy with a raft of speaking engagements and four ebooks in various stages of development.
We who are writers reveal something more about ourselves every time we write something, or in your case paint something.
This blog was an example of not just undoing a button or unwrapping a scarf, you showed some major soul skin. Takes courage. Invites criticism. Produces results. The good kind.
Blessings on you both.
10:36 am
Good Morning Hyatt & Anne,
Loved your sharing! Loved God’s answer & results!!!
12:02 pm
Hyatt,
I was amazed at your “fussing” at God. But as you said He know our hearts so we might as well tell Him. So glad for your and Anne’s good week in Baja. God be with you.
Becky
10:22 pm
Hyatt you always write as beautiful as you paint.
5:37 am
Wonderful! Gave me pause to think. If we don’t ask, how do we get an answer! Of course our God is all knowing and omnipresent, maybe we need to be more present and available to converse!
Thanks, Hyatt!
2:11 pm
Loved the breakthrough! I’m reading a book about 40 days of intimate conversations with God, by Brad and Eden Jersak. Love it! Your conversation would be a nice addition.