Years ago, when I had become too ill to leave home very often, a friend offered to take me in a drive in her convertible car. We drove out into the countryside. I deeply inhaled the fresh air. I could hear the songs of the birds, smell the fresh grass and the struggle deep inside was lightened.

At one point, we drove past a field of sheep. I thought about the Good Shepherd watching over all his sheep and leaving the 99 to search for his lost one. Sometimes, in the darkness of my sick room, I felt like the lost one. And I wondered if he remembered me.

Suddenly, right next to the road peeking through the fence, was the face of a little lamb standing all by itself. My heart soared and I screeched “A lamb!!!!” My friend jumped, and said with a giggle “You don’t get out much”! Which was true.

But also true, nature was waking up my soul. And I knew that my Shepherd sees me as joyfully as I saw that lamb.

When I painted this painting, it was inspired by a peaceful spot in my backyard where I still go to calm my emotions. I let the quiet beauty of the uluhe fern sink in along with the sounds and smells of nature. Sometimes I talk to God, and sometimes I am just quiet. After awhile, I find my emotions beginning to calm. Sometimes, I even find myself smiling again at the antics of the birds, or humming a little song about butterflies.

Maybe my painting of Uluhe can be a peaceful spot for you too? Or maybe you know of someone else who needs to breathe in nature, but can’t right now? I am so happy to share my peaceful spot with you.