The Story Behind the “Quiet Places” Series

He slowly opened his eyes and noticed everything around him was still dark. It would be a while yet before the sun started casting a warm and rosy glow on everyone and everything. But, the longing to get away was too much to ignore. Before the busyness of the day began, he had to escape. He knew what today would bring. There would be a multitude of questions, crowds of people needing his time and attention, there always was. He would be drawn in a million different directions as soon as the rooster crowed.

He couldn’t sleep any longer. He knew it was time to slip out the door. Silently he left, careful not to disturb anyone or anything in the house.

It was a new town, but he knew the path to take. It didn’t matter where he was, there was a knowing inside of him that always led him in the right direction. He trusted the inner quiet voice and followed the pull in his heart.

Although there was no light to guide him, his steps were sure and confident, as if he had walked the trail a thousand times before. He climbed the hill higher. Away from the town, the people, the distractions. This was his time to prepare for the day ahead. It was the only way he would make it through. Already, he noticed a change in his spirit, the closer he got to his destination, the more peace he felt.

The world around him seemed to grow even more still as he ascended and then he found the spot he had been drawn to. He took a deep breath and focused for just a moment on the creation around him.

The air was warm but there was still a coolness that only the night could bring, a welcome break from the oppressive heat of the day. He could smell the salt of the sea that was not far away as it mixed with the spring flowers that were just starting to bloom. The only sound was the rhythm of his heart.

As the sun began throwing colors across the expansive sky, he let out another deep breath, he smiled and said, “Good morning Abba, it’s me, Jesus”.

This is the story I wrote as I began painting the Quiet Places series. From Scripture, I knew that Jesus often woke before the sun and before anyone else so he could slip away and spend time with God. I began thinking about what he would have felt, smelled, heard and finally what he saw. I also began thinking about why he was driven to do this… and if he, being fully God needed this, how much more do I need it?

I pray this series is a reminder for each of us:

• of the need to spend time with God
• of the peace and hope he promises us
• of the blessings we will find in time spent with Him

There are a few paintings from this series, available here.