Hold to the Rod—James Christensen

Hat tip to my friend Sariah, who, if truth be told, I was going to name my daughter after.  I love the name Sariah, and I love my friend.  My family talked me out of it, though.  I’m still not sure I’m okay with that….

I think Mr. Christensen meant this painting to be a depiction of pride.  Or not first seeking the kingdom of God.  That we get caught up in collecting riches of the world that we forget about, or are too burdened, to hold to the Iron Rod.

I mean, I think that’s what he was trying to convey.  But I’m not art major or anything. 

Still, I can’t help but think—anybody feels like this depicts motherhood pretty well?.

As mothers, we’re too busy holding on to diaper bags, backpacks, permission slips, dirty dishes, and wiggling toddler who won’t wear shoes (so we’re holding them too) that we forget how to hold onto the Iron Rod.

I’m not saying that motherhood takes away from the straight and narrow path.  I’m saying that sometimes, personally, I allow the daily pressures of being a stay at home mom to distract me from what I should be doing first–seeking first the kingdom of God.  My hands are full all the time—too full, sometimes, for what I’m supposed to be holding.

Thoughts on this?  What does that painting make you think of?

Anyway, off to pick up my son from the bus, and to hold his backpack, and to read his homework, and to get him practicing on the piano, and to sign his permission slip, and to make bread for his lunch tomorrow because they’re going on a field trip, and to change the laundry, and to get chicken defrosting for dinner, and to find that coupon for Oreos because they are ON SALE at Target.

(What can I say? Some things are harder to let go than others ;) )