Nearby where I live in Hatley lots of geese gather and on prayer walks I usually see them and hear them flying in.
This painting has 9 of them, symbolising the fruit of the Spirit. It also represents the freedom and unpredictability of the Holy Spirit. In John's gospel in the Bible, chapter 3 verse 8 declare
"You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God."
This is my fifth painting inspired by the ancient Celtic symbol of the Holy Spirit: the wild Goose.
The painting carries an invitation to breathe in the fruit of the spirit and breathe out the opposite. I was also inspired at the time when I saw the geese by the powerful breathe prayer that was written by Sheridan Voysey.
You can read more of the explanation about it here: https://sheridanvoysey.com/coronavirus-is-going-to-demand-much-of-us-this-might-help/
You pray the first line slowly breathing in and the second line slowly breathing out:
Lord God, fill me with your Holy Spirit.
I receive your love,
and release my insecurity
I receive your joy,
and release my unhappiness
I receive your peace,
and release my anxiety
I receive your patience,
and release my impulsiveness
I receive your kindness,
and release my indifference
I receive your goodness,
and release my ungodliness
I receive your faithfulness,
and release my disloyalty
I receive your gentleness,
and release my severity
I receive your self-control,
and release my self-indulgence
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The painting measures