• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

June 18, 2017

The Shadow

Traveling for work can seem like such an adventure…at first. But between time changes, delayed flights, uncomfortable hotel beds, food that doesn’t settle well and a packed schedule, it starts to lose it’s luster very quickly.

On a recent flight home to Portland after a whirlwind trip to San Antonio where I was filming a segment for a show there, I was feeling especially weary. Up since 5am (3am Oregon time) and coming down from my coffee high, my head felt like a jumbled mess and as we descended through the clouds I lifted the window screen to gaze out at the scenery below, hoping it would calm my racing heart.

As I looked down at the landscape just outside of the Denver, CO area, I was struck by just how flat it was in comparison to Oregon. Yes, I saw the beautiful mountains in the distance but, from my vantage point, all I could see was field after flat field with very few trees. I’m used to trees. Lots of them.

But, then, something caught my attention. There, moving along just a little bit behind us was the shadow of our plane. We were still up high enough at the time that it looked more like it was reflecting a toy instead of a Boeing 747.

And I was struck by how something so massive could have such a tiny shadow. Now, obviously, I realize that the distance from the plane to the ground had everything to do with this. But, as I watched it moving across the fields, trying to keep pace with but staying just behind the real thing, something clicked with me. I felt a connection to that shadow, a kinship. And I realized that, for awhile now, I’ve been getting it all wrong.

shadow (noun) 

: a reflected image

: an imperfect or faint representation

: an imitation of something

As I sit here typing out these words at 5am at the kitchen table while my family sleeps, the tears are falling. Because, in the quiet of this moment, I can no longer deny what I have really known to be true down deep in my heart. And when my Heavenly Father corrects, it is both painful and beautiful.

You see, God is like that massive airplane. And I need to find my security in being in His shadow.  But, I think…I KNOW…that lately I’ve kind of been trying to be the plane.

I have allowed myself to get caught in this endless cycle of striving and trying and controlling and comparing. I wonder why I seem to have to work twice as hard as everyone else to get half as much. Why when I seemingly do all of the right things, use all of the right words, have all of the right pictures and use all of the right hashtags it all just seems to go nowhere. Why at every turn there seems to be a new roadblock and I’m starting to run out of detours.

And as I sat there in seat 29F, gazing out the window, God used this beautiful picture to show me the truth.

Psalm 91 vs. 1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” A commentary I read recently on this passage captures the essence of this verse so beautifully.

“Under the shadow of the Almighty. This is an expression which implies great nearness. We must walk very close to a companion, if we would have his shadow fall on us. Can we imagine any expression more perfect in describing the constant presence of God with his chosen ones, than this—they shall “abide under his shadow”?”

I have not been content to simply be near enough to Him to have His shadow fall on me. I have allowed the enemy of my soul to play upon my doubts, my insecurities and my pride and convince me that my successes and failures rest entirely upon my increasingly weary shoulders. I haven’t been satisfied to just be a VERY imperfect and faint representation of Him. All of my efforts are leading me down a dangerous path. One that risks making ME the object. Which means I would only being a reflection of myself, not of my Savior.

So, I have to ask myself this question.

Am I walking closely enough to God that I can see His shadow falling on me?

And, will I abide there in His shadow, resting in the security it provides? Because, the minute I step away from it, I leave myself wide open to the temptation to look around to see how big of a shadow I alone can cast. But the intimacy I have the opportunity to experience through nearness to Him and abiding in HIS shadow completely overpowers the faint representation, the imperfect reflection that I would create.

I’m realizing that it’s not about making my light shine brighter or my shadow grow bigger in order to draw others to Him. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’m even supposed to be thinking about that too much. What if it was just about me experiencing that nearness, that abiding? What if experiencing the sweetness of such close companionship with Him was what He really wants from me? Maybe that would mean I wouldn’t worry about whether or not I used the right hashtags or created the perfectly Christian woman-y graphics (wink, wink).  Maybe I wouldn’t be concerned about how many books I’ve sold. Maybe I wouldn’t stress over having a quote from a blog post that will be really ‘share-able’. Maybe that would mean that others would bear witness to that close companionship and long for it themselves. But maybe it wouldn’t.

And I have to be ok with that. Because when I choose to be obedient in doing what Christ is calling me to do, I relinquish the right to control or even know the outcome.

Are you ok with that? It’s really hard isn’t it? We don’t come by this naturally. But, I have to believe that the longer I “rest in the shadow of the Almighty”, the more my tendency towards striving, trying, controlling and comparing will be transformed into only a tendency towards closer and closer companionship with Him.

So, dear ones, my prayer for me and for you, is that we will draw nearer and nearer to our Heavenly Father. That our lives would be lived under His shadow and that we would find all that we need there.

All of the…

protection

security

rest

provision

fellowship

communion

I’m ready to ‘abide’ in that. Are you?

24 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Faith, Good Thoughts

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Tied to the Rock
Next Post: Weekend Wonderings »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deb says

    June 18, 2017 at 5:43 PM

    Touching post. I could never imagine that you, as creative and compassionate as you are, ever felt less than another. I love your shadow analogy. Much to think about. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Jeannette Utpatel says

    June 19, 2017 at 3:38 AM

    Again…one of your posts has brought tears and joy into my heart…Thank you

    Reply
  3. PJ says

    June 19, 2017 at 3:46 AM

    What a powerful piece! This spoke to my heart and soul.

    Reply
  4. Barbara says

    June 19, 2017 at 4:10 AM

    Wonderful message! Thank you for your thoughts – needed this today.

    Reply
  5. Fran Baker says

    June 19, 2017 at 6:23 AM

    Wonderful devotional this morning! What better place is there to be than resting/abiding in His shadow!

    Reply
  6. Amy Kaminski says

    June 19, 2017 at 6:37 AM

    Good piece. Should give us all pause to think. Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Carla Jordan says

    June 19, 2017 at 6:44 AM

    Vanessa, your post is a true and vivid reminder for me to rest in His presence where I’ll find all the things you mentioned…that I need and long for. This was beautiful. Thank you for being so raw. Stay encouraged! Blessings to you!

    Reply
  8. Cindy says

    June 19, 2017 at 6:52 AM

    Great devotional! I know the Lord is using you because that message was for me. I heard a similar message yesterday about “me” and “we”. Thank you!

    Reply
  9. Cathy says

    June 19, 2017 at 7:16 AM

    A wonderful illustration.
    It struck me, as I read it, that the feelings you described are more common than not and at all ages. I am grateful for a heavenly Father that shows us patience, mercy and gives us grace. Somehow our weakness gives us a common bond that is redeemed by His love and strength. Thank you.

    Reply
  10. Matilyn says

    June 19, 2017 at 7:31 AM

    Enjoyed! Prayers for your regained closeness with our Lord.
    I have felt myself drifting away more than once..right now is one of those times. How I handle it is up to me.
    Getting in a Bible study always helps me for many reasons so that is my immediate plan and focus. I hope yours works out as God directs for you.

    Reply
  11. Bonnie says

    June 19, 2017 at 8:03 AM

    Thanks Vanessa so much for sharing. It really touched my heart as this subject is something that I struggle with. That picture that you provided of the plane’s shadow was so appropriate.

    Reply
  12. Margaret says

    June 19, 2017 at 10:12 AM

    Thanks for your thoughts .
    Blessings to you.

    Reply
  13. Rose L. says

    June 19, 2017 at 10:54 AM

    Lovely post. I see our Lord in all I view and try to be thankful for each little things each day!

    Reply
  14. Catherine says

    June 19, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    This was the perfect message for me today! Thank you!

    Reply
  15. Julie Briones says

    June 19, 2017 at 2:21 PM

    Wonderful God-glorifying post, Vanessa! Praise God for the insights He gives you, and the empowerment He gives for you to share with us!

    Reply
  16. Bekah Pogue says

    June 19, 2017 at 2:26 PM

    Love you. And your heart. Amen and amen!

    Reply
  17. Caroll Reddin says

    June 19, 2017 at 7:10 PM

    Thank you for this beautiful reminder!

    Reply
  18. Stephanie Wethington says

    June 20, 2017 at 6:30 AM

    Such a beautiful message!!! It touched my heart and soul. Living in the shadow of our Lord…amazing. Something I needed to be reminded of.

    Reply
  19. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says

    June 20, 2017 at 1:20 PM

    Vanessa, thanks for such a beautiful post. My heart has been touched!

    Blessings!

    Reply
  20. Julia says

    June 23, 2017 at 9:52 AM

    Oh that I might always dwell in His shelter and rest in His shadow!

    Reply
  21. Susan says

    June 23, 2017 at 7:34 PM

    I love your revelation on the shadow! This is such a good word! Thank you! Makes Ps.91 even more special to me!

    Reply
  22. Mary says

    July 8, 2017 at 1:14 PM

    I have seen this shadow from a plane many times. The lower we get, the bigger the shadow racing along. Invariably it makes me sick at my stomach. Next time I will think of your wonderful post
    and come in on the good Lord’s shadow. Thank you.

    Reply
  23. Jeanie MacNamara says

    October 6, 2017 at 1:28 PM

    I loved reading this so much! It really resonated with me.

    Reply
  24. Grace says

    October 20, 2017 at 9:47 AM

    I have also realized many of these things this week, as a self-proclaimed “Recovering Perfectionist” I think it’s safe to safe I’ve fallen off the wagon of late. Thankful for what God is showing all of us, and hopeful that one day I’ll finally get it through my head and cease striving. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor labor in vain…It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Take the Quiz

Stay updated!

Get all the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Painted Staircase Handrail Makeover March 4, 2021
  • A New French Country Dining Table February 3, 2021
  • Open Now December 17, 2020
  • Tradition and a Christmas Home Tour December 9, 2020
  • Tabletop Hot Cocoa Station November 29, 2020

Get all the latest straight to your inbox

Footer

Instagram

I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
Are you living with great expectation friends? Bec Are you living with great expectation friends? Because He is risen!

Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me?

Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.

Why is it called “Good Friday”? Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
.
…It was just the beginning!
Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house that’s become the landing zone for ALL THE THINGS! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪 I’ve never been more thankful for our rarely used dining room table as it’s become command central for school books and laptops and games.

Where are things collecting in your house right now?
“Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every si “Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every single one of these emotions has made their way through our home in recent days and, my guess is, they have in your home too.

I SO needed this reminder today from the new book ‘Adore’ by @sarahagertywrites.

Adoration isn’t just sitting at His feet gazing longingly with stars in my eyes. It’s bringing my fears and my sorrows and gray roots in my hair that desperately needs to be colored and my messy house and all of the things that threaten to send me over the edge right now and laying them down before Him, soaking up His word and His presence so that when I stand back up, I am changed for having spent the time adoring the ONE who is... Healer, comforter, peace-giver, deliverer, redeemer.

What do you need to bring to Him today? I’ll share mine in the comments and I’d love to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole lockdown thing began, I’ve come to appreciate this time of day even more.

It feels the most...normal. Daytime is strange and foreign right now. My husband has taken over our home office, I’m suddenly taking over the responsibility of managing my kids’ distance learning and let me just say that teaching 7th grade algebra to my daughter is hugely ironic since I struggled with math all the way through school. I’m trying to do my own work but it feels utterly futile with the constant interruptions which take precedence right now. In the daytime, I’m constantly reminded of how upside down life feels.

But, in the evening, I cook dinner like I’ve always done and we gather around the table like we’ve always done and we laugh and tell stories and then clean up and play games or go on a walk or watch a show. And that feels SO gloriously normal.

So now I love evenings even more than I ever did before and I’m so grateful for this little chunk of time where the rhythms we established years ago are helping to sustain us now when so much of life feels outside of our control.

What feels ‘normal’ to you right now? Whatever it is, keep doing it. 🌿
When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
Follow
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 At The Picket Fence