“You hold the flowers, Elaine, I’ll handle the suitcase.”
This is what God wants me to know this day, nearly a year after he impressed it into my soul. It was the statement that led to this…
Most everything about the front cover of my book was intentionally planned.
The ripe wheat.
The evening sky.
The path with a bend in the road.
Trees in the distance, framing the scene.
Enough blue heaven to hold the title.
The kids… my kids.
The similar nature of their clothing.
The shadows they cast.
The holding of hands.
The look between them.
The beat-up suitcase.
My son carrying that suitcase.
The Gerber daisies.
My daughter carrying those daisies.
What I didn’t plan on back then was the outcome… the completed look… the finished product… the culminating portrait that paints a message all its own. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this cover releases the witness of at least a million or so; not because I had anything to do with it, but rather because God did. Long before the fifty-two reflections made their way into the interior, God had been working on the exterior. Only God can paint the eternal witness of a single moment. From his vantage point, he sees the bigger picture—the end result—and without hesitation, he picks up the paintbrush and works his truth into the mix.
I have no idea what God intends to do with this cover or with the written contents that reside within. I only know that the impression he put into my soul a year ago, is one that remains this day. It will remain for my children and their children, on down the line for generations to come. A worthy word for them and for all of us who are treading this earthly sod with a healthy respect for the temporal nature of the soil beneath our feet and for the season that lies ahead… the one just beyond the bend in our “down the road.”
“You hold the flowers, child, I’ll handle the suitcase.”
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:28-20).
I’ll handle the suitcase; you take charge of the flowers.
It’s all that God has assigned to us this day… the picking and the holding of his generous grace.
He can handle the wholly… holy… rest of it.
You’ve got a bigger picture, friends, and our Father can be trusted with the paintbrush. Believe him for it today, and thanks, Sheri, for the prompt. I needed it. As always…
peace for the journey,
Thanks for the reminder, Elaine. I love that… "You hold the flowers…" I have spent a lot of time recently struggling with the suitcase as my "baby" prepares to leave for college. I need to accept God's grace for today and hand over my baggage!! Love ya!
There's something about intentional living that is so incredibly freeing, and nothing more so than the handing over of all those things too heavy for our wee hands or shoulders to bear.
Besides, with unemployed hands we can touch & carry those incredible gifts & graces He imparts.
Walking with you, friend.
Hugs,
Kathleen
Dear Elaine, I had no idea what thought would go into a cover picture. Wow! I think of the amount of detail and thought you put into your cover… and then imagine what detail and thought God puts into our lives… it is truly an overwhelming and awesome thought.
I am amazed at how God prompts our spirits to write the words that would spur the thoughts of another. But through of all this… I was passing through your profile page to get to your blog and I saw your list of favorite books… and then Nurture by Lisa Bevere caught my eye. I had just minutes before been on our local public library's website looking for mentoring books… I have had some gals who have asked me to mentor them… and I have felt at a loss… I saw the cover of Nurture on the library's website but flew right past it. I about fell over when I clicked on your profile… saw Nurture… searched for it… and saw the exact SAME cover. I immediately went back to the library website and reserved it. Even though I have a feeling I am going to want my own copy.
God is so good… even down to the last detail. I consider you a mentor, my dear one. I thank God for you.
Elaine,
I'm glad you shared what brought about the heart of the beautiful cover of your book.
These words say it all for me: "It’s all that God has assigned to us this day… the picking and the holding of his generous grace."
I echo Sassy Granny's words.
peace!
Beautiful! I loved the cover of your book and wondered if those were your kids. Now that I know what it represents, it is even more special! Can't wait to get my copy!
until next time… nel
Elaine~
Thank you so very much for sharing all that went into the cover of your book. It truly…is amazing…each time I see it.
And, thank you…for this post. Today…I WILL choose..to carry the flowers…his grace..and ALLOW him..to carry the rest!!
Oh..what sweet…sweet….truths!!
Blessings sweet friend.
I have a suitcase that I have carried for a long time that I want to give to Him. But I am afraid. Not that He can't handle it. Not that He won't handle it. Not that it is to big for Him. No it isn't any of that. What is it that I am afraid of ? Why have I not let Him carry my suitcase of worries, cares and burdens? I don't know why. But today I will sit that worn and tattered case at His feet for Him to pick up as I hold the flowers. Elaine,thank you for such a beautiful reminder.
Oh so awesome. I got that BEAUTIFUL book delivered to my door step last week. It looks great. How cool to understand how each detail on the cover plays a part. I cannot tell you how excited I am to get to reading this, reviewing it and then posting a giveaway on my blog. I am so honored to know you as friend. Praying for you!
I, too, imagined there was a story behind the cover of your book…so glad you shared…
What a sweet and loving word the Lord gave you…
He can keep my paintbrush…His hand is so much steadier than mine….
I'll be purchasing my copy soon!
Congratulations!
I am drawn to the cover, always have been. It's so precious to hear how it came about.
YOU are a blessing to me Elaine!
I already had an order with Amazon, so now I have to wait till the last order comes before I can order your book, since they got the order confused, but I'm still so thrilled, and will be looking forward to reading it.
Love you friend,
Sonja
How I needed to read this tonight. God has been impressing something on me for the past 6 months, He has not let up but I have been too afraid to take the first step. However, if I do He will lead the way and paint a most amazing picture.
Thank you for your words!!!
Loved learning more about the beautiful cover of your book. Like others, I'm amazed at how much thought went into each and every detail. It's beautiful! 😉
Love the visual of letting him carry the heavy and cumbersome baggage. Oh, to learn to let it go!
So excited that my autographed copy of your book is in the mail! The cover is just beautiful. Your grandchildren will love it when they come along! 🙂
Love ya!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
I knew the cover was perfect but now I know the rest of the story. Thanks for sharing. The Lord does carry our baggage. Blessings, B
Love that scripture — ministers such peace and comfort to me, such rest. Also love the thought that God carries the suitcase for us and gives us the blessing of carrying the flowers of His grace. What a beautiful picture — and cover for your book!
Blessings to you this holiday weekend, Elaine!
Yes and Amen, Elaine. I need this today.
I love the thoughts so beautifully expressed by the picture. And I love the lovely words you use to further express those thought. I'll be thinking your thoughts today, abandoning my baggage for flowers.
Susan
Elaine,
Your blog, your writing and your book cover is poetry, offered up by an anointed artist (that's you).
We sure don't know where our journey takes, but thankfully are walking with One who knows every detail of every day and has it all carefully planned out for us. It takes courage to follow our Guide. Thanks for showing us the markers on the trail.
I'm walking with you (maybe with a backpack on, though)
See…I can't stop the hiking analogies. Did I tell you I backpacked Rim-to-Rim of the Grand Canyon? 🙂
Abundant blessings to you today, my friend,
Kelli
Elaine, I hope you will add today's writing as an "insert" to go along with each book copy you sell. It makes a perfect picture even more perfect; the message is powerful: picture and word united!
Love,
Rosalie
that's beautiful, elaine. I love the picture on the book! i won a copy from laura and cannot wait to get it and start pouring over it. i know the Lord has much to speak through you, if your blog is any indication! 🙂 Many blessings!
Hey Mrs. Elaine:)
That is a comforting thought, and beautifully worded:) He holds the "suitcase", beat up and worn, and we hold the flowers, light and beautiful treasures to look at and meditate on:) Love HIM:)
I ended up sending my book to my sister in TX because she has been homesick while her husband is in seminary. I'll probably get myself another copy:):)
Blessings to you today Elaine:)
katiegfromtennessee
oh Elaine,
this is just beautiful…I love the thought of God carrying the suitcase and our assignment for today…if we would just follow through on it.
Oh this is going to bring blessings to all who read it…I can feel it.
blessings my friend
God's design is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your insight!
I love this post. Your book is sitting on my desk and I'm purposely saving it for after our daughter's wedding next weekend. I wanted something to look forward to just for me after all the hoopla settles down.
Beautiful my friend. I will just hold on to His promises for awhile…thats all I need to do…
Blessings!
Believing Him~Pamela
Beautiful, Elaine. What a precious journey you have had with the Lord through this. I can't wait to read it.
Hi friend…guess what I came home to yesterday? My THREE copies of your book. Looking forward to digging in this weekend.
Have a great weekend Elaine. xo