Happy Spring – Out of the Slump
Happy Spring everyone! Sorry for the scarceness on posts. I caught the dreadful flu bug late February and as a result of some pretty horrendous coughing, managed to crack a rib. Extreme! But mostly I’ve just been in a slump, creatively, emotionally, spiritually, pretty much everything-ly. I’ve been in those before, where I just don’t find joy in doing hardly ANYTHING, and it doesn’t take too long to get out of it. But this time, it just stuck with me for weeks, and weeks. Ugh. Motherhood was beyond hard, and I’m just being honest here, I did not even feel like getting out of bed on most days. I felt like I was trudging through waist deep sludge.
I prayed, I read, I waited, I tried doing my most favorite things, but nothing seemed to “fix” it. But then warm weather hit, flowers started to bloom, and everything was suddenly green again.
Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter-suddenly it’s Spring! Psalm 147:18 (MSG)
And again, as He so faithfully does, God pulled me out of my miserable pit and I got my life back – my joy back. I can’t explain it, and I don’t know why it happens, I just know that plenty of Psalms have some pretty rough spots in it, where the Psalmists wonder where God is and why they feel so downcast and alone. So I know I’m not the only one.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
Anyway, I’m glad to be “back” and I hope to be posting more regularly again.
I love Spring every year. It’s the newness, the power of life, that just gets me every time. It’s such a miracle. I’ve been photographing our blooming daffodils and tulips – and we have lilies & daisies on the way. It’s amazing how quickly they unfold – I took the above photos in the area of a couple hours. I also did a some sketching of a floral motif, and I’m offering it here as a free download if you like it.
As always, I don’t care what you do with it, you could even use it on your website as a background. Hope you enjoy it.
What do you appreciate most about Spring? Does anyone else have slumps?
It’s so good to read a post by you again 🙂 I’ve been in slumps before and this past month has been rough with bad weather & sickness trying to attack our family as well. I know for sure the sunshine changes me and gives me hope! I’m learning to enjoy the winter though and let it be a time to slow down and rest.
Last night I looked through photos and video of our past year and it helped so much to see God’s faithfulness and blessings! I’m so amazed at how much happened since last spring! What an awesome God we serve!
Oh goodness – it is nice to get some warm sunshine to wake you up so to speak. I’ve been coming out of a big slump too, where there is just no energy. I think sometimes motherhood allows you to give so much of yourself that, even though you are getting small little hands and smiles of love in return, your tank is suddenly on empty, and you had no idea it was even coming before it is too late, and there you are. I have a one year old and this is the first time it has happened to me since she was born…I will be more on the lookout next time! I hope your flower collages gave you something to fill you up a little creatively and you will be back to painting again soon as well! I have been on the search for rocks and sticks to paint. The weight and texture inside the house are comforting. Keep well.
Thank you for the replies, ladies. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in the slump department. I guess I still haven’t figured out a surefire way to get out of it every time, but thankful that God is good and gets me through it.
Oh yes. Slumpcity over here. The end of winter feels like death. Its warm today and I took a walk and photographed and felt alive. Hooray for spring… also thanks for posting about god. I needed the reminder to thank him.
I love your blog!! I love it every time you post – even if they are scarce sometimes (life is like that), they are super meaningful when they are.
Psalm 40 has been my go-to Psalm this Lenten season.
Um, I’m totally in love with your new spring print and may just use it on my blog. And I love your “use it for free” philosophy. I’m adopting it. Thank you.
Lisa, I love that Psalm, just read it again today. Thank you for your comment, you are so very sweet. Thanks for reading!
I love the download so much that I’m using it as my website header. Thanks so much!
That’s wonderful Jenn, it looks lovely!
Thank you! I just printed this and am using it as a card at a baby shower I’m going to in a few minutes. I have the gift, but I’d forgotten a card – thanks for rescuing me with something so beautiful!