Last month, I had the privilege of visiting the Sacred Gifts art exhibit at BYU's Museum of Art with my parents and Paul. This piece, by Frans Schwartz, entitled Agony in the Garden, moved me to tears.
My family and I have been going through trials beyond what I could have ever previously comprehended and as I studied this piece, I learned and felt several lessons:
1) Because of His Atonement, including suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane for all of our sins and pains, Christ knows exactly what we are going through, exactly how we feel, exactly how devastating some of our trials have been or will be. Regardless, He still knew it would be worth coming to this earth and experiencing both the good and the bad. Christ sees the beginning and the end and knows it will be worth it.
2) There is comfort beyond our view when we need it. We are not alone. Perhaps these angels might even be our family members that have passed on.
3) Christ suffered an unimaginable, incomprehensible amount for us, because He loves us. He didn't have to perform the Atonement, but He wanted to, so that we can return to His presence after this life. Because of this amazing gift he has given us, we should value and appreciate life so much, every day of it, for life is a gift from the all-mighty and all-wonderful Jesus Christ and not appreciating it makes His gift in vain.
You can see the piece enlarged here.
Also, please send prayers and good energy our way. We are praying for miracles and the manifestation of truth. We know God is on our side and Christ is our advocate and we have faith in receiving divine help. Your collective faith and prayers are so valuable and appreciated.
You know what I loved about this piece? I was overwhelmed by the expression on Christ's face because I realized that this is an expression I have worn several times during the hardest of times. I recognized His grief because I have felt it, just as He knows my grief because He experienced it. This painting helped me realize even more profoundly. He really does understand us. We rented the ipads for this exhibit and they had songs you could listen to that fit the message of the painting. The song paired with this painting was "Where Can I Turn For Peace" sung by the BYU Singers. That last verse hit me so hard. "He answers privately, reaches my reaching, in MY Gethsemene, Savior and King. Gentle the peace He finds for my beseeching. Constant He is, and kind, Love without end." Just a great reminder that Christ reaches our reaching. He reaches our reaching.
ReplyDeletePrayers coming your way, always. Love you. Call me, lets pranzare.
Your a are wonderful person Lora! I'm praying that things will go better for you soon!! Love, Denise
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