ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

My favorite blooms of summer are the magnificent hydrangeas. While they continuously bloom for most of the summer and into fall, they hang on to their beauty even after all the others have faded and died from the first frost. These giant beauties continue to shower an additional time for us to enjoy them. They can be cut and collected for lovely autumn arrangements. wreaths, or simply placed in a large vase to enjoy for the winter months.

The painting of a hydrangea wasn’t typical for Paul. He much preferred animals, barns or remote landscapes. He left the flowers to me. Maybe I’ll get back to painting again someday. As I look at things I’m thankful for, I must say one of my greatest blessings has been to “let it go.” In other words, to surrender to God’s will. It was another gift that took a long time to accept. Giving up, to most of us, means to “say uncle,” a sign of weakness, relying on someone else to help. Those are attributes that don’t appeal to most of us. We like to think we can handle the difficulties that are set before us. Instead, we cause ourselves undo stress and hopelessness when we try to go it alone. Paul’s mantra had always been, “God has this.” He passed this hope on to me. There are still times when I revert to trying to figure things out for myself, but I’m still a work in progress and I know God understands.

Spinning out of control,

Dropping to depths below,

Falling into the unknown

Unsure, lost, alone,

darkness surrounds you,

There is nothing you can do,

Nothing,

Nothing!

Stop fighting,

Let go,

Relax,

Trust.

Reach out your hands

To the Savior of the world,

He will catch you,

He will hold you,

He will love you like no other,

Trust,

Do not be afraid.