Gilgal – An unknown heart’s desire fulfilled

Gilgal
– An unknown heart’s desire fulfilled

My response to El Greco’s painting of “Christ on the Cross” circa 1600

You’ve haunted me since early youth

captured, yet not knowing why.

The agony was clear to see

“languish” is the word that comes

yet understanding escaped me and yet I still was drawn.

For years the image would come and then go.

For years I’d ponder with sorrow

For years I’d long to see you again

And yet still not knowing why.

A fortnight passed and world away and I knew before I turned

Your presence beckoned me

Heart racing, feet rushing, boldly approaching You

Causing alarm, laughable now, for it was love that drew me to You

Standing in Your Presence

Tears of knowing joy

Love so deep its painful

Soaking You in

Breathing You in

Never wanting to leave

Grateful for the most intimate gift.

Gilgal.

Knowing now (even in the smallest part) leaves me in awe and wonder more.

Oil on canvas, nay, but more. Heavenly power imbued.

It seeketh and it haunteth till the work of God is fulfilled.

Spirit calleth, through faithful hands. Gifts poured out in full.

Legacy living and breathing still,

or’ four hundred years…

Obedience of each and both to do what God has willed…

__________

This creation captured me when I was 12 years old in Madrid, Spain at the Del Prado Museum. So much so that I bought a canvas reproduction. It was lost in travel and I was heartbroken. It would not be until I was 36 years old that I would understand what it meant to give Him my life and my understanding opened to the image that captivated me those years. On Jan 24, 2014 God gave me one of the most precious of gifts. El Greco’s “Christ on the Cross” was on display at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, CA. Oh, oh…

(This piece was written as part of a 30 day art challenge, unedited)

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