
This picture of Christ is probably my absolute favorite. It is called "Friends" and it is by Liz Lemon Swindle. I saw it for the first time a couple of years ago and fell in love with it. When I see it, it makes me think a couple of things:
1. It makes me feel so comforted and loved because I feel like this is how our Brother listens to us and cares about all the little and big things that fill our days. It reminds me that even when our story is not filled with happiness, but a trial, he understands completely. He knows exactly how we feel because He experienced it first hand even before we did. He mourns with us and rejoices with us. The picture reminds me of not only Christ, but also our Heavenly Father. He is always there for us and listens intently to all we have to tell him.
2. I imagine the little girl in this picture to be telling a story like "Today, when Daddy came home, I got so excited. He read me stories and played a game with me" or "I love making cookies with Mommy, she always lets me pour the stuff in the bowl all by myself." and other adorable things like that. And look how intent Christ is on her story. He is so happy to be hearing this little girls tell of her simple day and her childhood joys. He does nothing but pay 100% of his attention to every little word and He rejoices in her happiness. Everything matters to Him. Everything.
3. I also love this picture because I imagine my future children in Heaven right now, walking with Christ and happily anticipating the time when they can begin their journey here on earth. I imagine Him teaching them and loving them until they can be entrusted in mine and Cam's arms to do the teaching and loving. It reminds me that when those children come, that I need to always keep in mind where they came from and that they are ours to borrow for a time, and that I have such a responsibility to help them and love them just as they were in Heaven. It reminds me of the responsibility that I have to do as much as I can to prepare before they come to increase my knowledge and testimony so I am the best mom I can be. And it makes me realize how far I have to go so its a good thing it will be a while before that happens :)
I wish I was good enough with words to really put my feelings on paper and have them be more accurate, but I suppose this will have to do. I just love this picture, but more I love the feelings I have when I look at it. They are beautiful, simple, comforting, and most of all purely spiritual.