This spring, a couple in my congregation lost a young adult son. Honestly, I don’t know all the details. I know he struggled with addiction. I know he was a beautiful young man who brought sunshine to those around him.
We believe in life after death, that the resurrection of Jesus Christ ultimately takes away the sting of death. But the thought of all those empty, aching, gasping years between now and then leave one without words.
As I contemplated their loss, I sensed that God had words he wanted this couple to understand, and the following painting slowly came into my mind and out through my brush. A mutual friend mentioned that orange trees are particularly significant to this family and an orange tree was added in, truly bringing a sense of completion and rightness. I only hope that when they see it and read the title, it will honor God’s message for them. “Well done, good and faithful servants.”