Renewal

Acrylic on canvas
101cm x 76cm

In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth and everything in it, he topped it all when He created a woman. She was the pinnacle of His creation.

In the beginning, back in the Garden, while Adam slept, she was alone with God, and the light of His presence and glory shone on her.

We still carry imprints of the Garden and yearn for what we had there; and for restoration, renewal and recovery of what gets lost along life’s path. At times like these we need to go back to the beginning, to that place and time alone with God. In this sacred space, we can find rest; let go of hurts and hindrances; and be refreshed and refilled so that we can again become effective ambassadors and carers, and carry the fragrance of having been in God’s presence back into our world.

In the dictionary, the verb “renew” carries a few significant connotations relevant to this discussion:
1. Return to doing something – to begin something or doing something again, or to be begun again
2. Extend something – to be made effective for a longer period
3. Replace something worn – to replace something that is worn, broken or no longer suitable
4. Repeat promise – to reaffirm or restate a promise or commitment
5. Give somebody or something new energy – to give new energy, strength, or enthusiasm
6. Replace something used up – to get a new supply of something
7. Make something new again – to make something new or as if new again.

Renewal is the constant desire of a woman’s heart.

And in God’s constant desire for a woman’s heart, we find Renewal.