I had no idea a friend took this photo of me looking across the water at an art museum. Our boys qualified for the world robotics championship and we found ourselves in St Louis Missouri. I googled “free things to do in St Louis” and while scrolling saw an image of Monet’s water lilies. I also had NO IDEA one his paintings was located in the FREE art museum in St Louis. Not only a free museum, but a beautiful park surrounding it too. My friend and I decided to visit both one morning during the competition. 

Monet is my favorite artist. I’ve quoted him in my own writings and love his paintings. I am not very acquainted with "art" and might have passed my college art appreciation class only by the help of old tests that were circulating around. Which by the way I now regret. I wish I knew something about art. I do know however, that Monet's impressionist style is mesmerizing. The brush strokes that look a mess up close but in taking a step back the masterpiece takes shape. He appreciated the way the same scene can look/feel different based on the surrounding atmosphere and light. He painted multiple pieces of the same scene. I had no idea parts of his collection were in the states. Paris, where multiple works of his are held, has never been an option. I’ve simply appreciated his work in what I’ve seen and read from a distance. Even last month a book I read mentioned his work and I quoted it in my previous post. I knew when I discovered that the centerpiece of his 42 foot Agapanthus Triptych was displayed in St Louis, the Lord was drawing me in. 

He Leads

When things look and feel messy remember that you are only standing in a moment. The daily devotional sent to my email the morning of the park and art museum was from Ephesians 2:10. God’s masterpiece. His perfect timing. The lyrics “the joy we share as we tarry there” came to mind walking in the park. I wasn’t alone that day at all. The trip with our boys was so much fun and a definite blessing! I can't deny however, certain aspects of my heart felt the sting of loneliness. We are so complex as humans, experiencing a variety of emotions simultaneously. The ability to feel loneliness even while in the presence of beautiful friendships and experiences. Lies of an enemy. I know I'm not truly alone, but emotions can still exist. Just an encouragement, bring all of the pieces of your heart to Jesus. Celebrate and mourn with Him. Ask the questions. Acknowledge the emotions. He fills those spaces if we let Him. He reminds us He sees us. He steps into the places no one can see and places only He can fill. I fully believe the surprise of an art museum, garden, Monet, and a friend who wanted to explore it all as well (because I never would have gone on my own) while on a fabulous trip with my boy was because I've taken pieces of my heart to Him. He loves me. He loves you too. He is fully aware of where each of us has been and knows exactly where He is leading. He's the good shepherd (John 10). He won't leave you stranded in the middle. 

After a beautiful walk around parts of the park, my friend and I would walk up the steps into the St Louis Art Museum. There were actually 3 pieces of Monet's work on display. Also a fabulous surprise! I only knew about the massive waterlily. The brushstrokes, the details, the works of art were so beautiful. The dance between seeing up close and then stepping back to see the full painting from a distance. To imagine Monet creating the massive Agapanthus Triptych that is still so incredibly beautiful even split apart. (The others are in Cleveland and Kansas City) Again the dance of being close with each stroke on the canvas and the stepping back to take it in. Monet’s name in the bottom corner caught my attention. His signature identifying his work. It brought to mind God the Father and us as His kids. The one who created us. His words in Isaiah 43:1."You are mine." Jesus as the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Heb 12:2). Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:12-14). Such a beautiful experience. We are His masterpiece! ❤️🎨

And just because I love it so much, my boy and his team. He also had a birthday. The "world" paused from competition for a moment and sang Happy Birthday. Special memories and so thankful to all who made it possible. 

This one I asked for. I wanted to remember seeing Monet's painting with my own two eyes 🥰