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Reading
Isaiah 26:9
My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.
Devotion
Today's painting isn't an overtly religious painting. It's a painting of a young girl created by a local artist in the town where I live. Allen Collins (more on him can be found here: Alan Collins – Leavenworth County Artists Association) created this painting in 2025. It dwells in a friend's home--and they have the dolly that the model held when Allen worked on the painting--how cool is that?!!
I like the wistfulness of the little girl. She stands next to a tree, supported by it. In her hands she holds a beloved doll. Her bonnet is loosely tied. She is looking at something or someone unseen by us, the viewer. There is a dark wood behind her. It is a bit ominous. What is she looking at? Does she see a group of children she longs to be a part of? Is she pondering something deeply? I like how she is emerging into the light. I wonder what happens next? Does someone wave to her and she bounds forward to join in a game while breaking into laughter?
For me, especially in these meantimes, the painting stirs up thoughts about and captures the emotions of longing for the Divine Presence. Longing for God is more than a fleeting wish; it is a profound spiritual yearning that reflects the human soul’s need for communion with the Creator. This longing is often described in the Bible using vivid imagery, such as thirst or hunger, to convey the intensity of the desire for God’s presence.
What do you think the little girl longs for, dear reader? Does she find it? And how about you...what do you long for?
Prayer
A Collect for Holy Longing
Almighty and Everlasting God,
who alone can satisfy the hunger of our hearts:
Kindle within us a deep desire for Your presence,
that, forsaking all that draws us from You,
we may seek You with steadfast hearts
and find our rest in Your eternal love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.