Surrender

Watercolor on tinted pastel paper.  Quote paraphrased from Toni Morrison "Song of Solomon".

I made this painting for my Dad as a birthday gift.  He tells me stories about his days of flying small airplanes like Cessnas (though his favorite is the Piper Cub).  It has become one of my life goals to learn to fly a small airplane.  I've read some books about learning to fly, which helps to take the romantic edge off and remind me that flying is pretty complicated and there are risks, but I am resolute in my wish to learn anyway.  I've also developed a love of learning about the golden era of flight, when people like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh were braving the unknown territory of the sky.  Another goal of mine is to write a children's book about a young brave Aviatrix of the 30s or 40s.  Dad makes sure I don't forget about that goal often :).

This quote popped into my head while I was researching aviation for this painting.  It has particular resonance with me right now, as I've lately hit some of life's turbulence.  I'm pretty good at going with the flow, but when I do get afraid, I have a Faith that reassures me that all will be well, however things end up.  This quote reminds me that the wind may get rough sometimes, but resisting it can only make things worse.  Trust it to take you onward, let yourself be buffeted and know that you will come out whole after the storm.  "If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it."  Beautiful.