Artist: Elizabeth Bishop Wheatley
Title: Carrying Heaven: Lord of the Vineyard
Medium: Watercolor + block print on kozo paper
Size: 8" x 10", 10" x 12" framed
Artist Statement:
Bring the children along, He said.
Let them come.   Be blessed.   Snuggle close.   Follow me.
But the burdens of the day do not settle.   Nor rest as sweetly as any infant.
The logistics of life  - and parenthood -  are not so easily navigated.
There are meals to prepare.   Flocks to gather.   Harvests to tend.
Children to teach.   Clothes to mend.    Deadlines to reach.
Unrelenting,  unwavering,  never ceasing.
We carry the weight of expectation,  and grief,  and dreams,  and each other.
But heavy things are lighter when shared;  when our burden is known.
Christ invites the children to come.
And I too,  will follow,  and abide.
To carry and be carried.
To bless and be blessed.
In slings,  baskets,  cradleboards,  blankets,  and tired arms.
        By fathers,  aunties,  siblings,  ancestors,  the village entire.
                In sickness,  tantrum,  memory,  or trimester.
We carry these children as we go.
Observing the rhythms and seasons of this life.
A blessing given in proximity:  closeness forging trust with each swaying step.
Intention shaping this shared sacred space.
We  - and they -  both held,  carried,  delivered.
Never far from the heartbeat of our creator.
Lulled by the cadence of life playing out,  and hushed voices of the familiar.
Carried by love,  both dutiful and devoted.
Keeping safe,  keeping nourished,  keeping near.
We carry heaven,  as He carries us.
To lead by example.   To learn through relationship.
Leaving legacy and weaving community. 
For He is about His Father’s business.
A place to prepare.   Souls to gather.   Children to tend.
Lessons to teach.   Hearts to mend.   Souls to reach.
Love unrelenting,  purpose unwavering,  mercy never ceasing.
My child,  my shadow,  my tiny apprentice:  watch with your curious eyes and feeble hands.
We will steady your missteps,  and kiss scraped knees.
You too,  will grow into the family business.
Becoming a caretaker with gentleness,  and trust,  and time.
Carry this in your heart:  There is time yet for you.
You don’t have to color inside the lines to do good where you are.
To be good as you are.
For we carry heaven,  and hope,  and each other. 
And we are about our Father’s business.