The Steps To The Altar

The Steps To The Altar, Watercolor on Paper 28" x 37"

Each step on the staircase represented a day in the believer's life, symbolizing the journey of faith and personal growth. Each step is not merely a physical ascent but rather a profound moment of reflection and encounter with the divine. It is during these quiet times that individuals find themselves standing on the staircase, a metaphorical place of connection, where they call out to meet with Jesus. This act of calling is significant; it signifies a yearning for communion, a desire to bridge the gap between the earthly experience and the heavenly promise. I observed that whenever a believer earnestly called to Him, Jesus would descend gracefully from an elevated area at the top of the stairway, moving down to the very level of the stairs where the believer stood in anticipation. This imagery encapsulates the idea that no matter how far we may fall from Him, Jesus is always willing to come close, to meet us in our moments of need. The sky depicted in the painting is not serene or without turbulence; it mirrors the complexities of life on earth, which is often filled with both joys and sorrows. We all experience a spectrum of days—some filled with light and hope, while others may be overshadowed by challenges and despair. Yet, it is essential to recognize that each day, regardless of its nature, can serve as a step forward in our personal journey and spiritual development. The shadows that loom in the painting symbolize the unknown aspects of life, the uncertainties that we all face. In contrast, the upper portion of the artwork is illuminated by a warm, inviting light, representing the promise of hope, guidance, and divine presence that awaits each of us as we navigate our paths. The notion that "the Lord directs the steps of the godly" serves as a comforting reminder that we are never alone in our journey. He delights in every detail of our lives, attending to our needs, desires, and struggles with a level of care that is both profound and reassuring. Even when we stumble along the way, we can take solace in the assurance that we will never truly fall, for the Lord holds us securely by the hand, providing strength and support in our times of weakness. While we may devise our own plans and set our intentions, it is ultimately the Lord who determines our steps, guiding us toward a destiny filled with purpose and meaning. This interplay between our efforts and divine guidance illustrates the beautiful relationship between human agency and divine providence, reminding us to trust in the journey and the One

who walks alongside us. EB

Journey of Faith

By Eric Buechel

In the quiet dawn where shadows play, A whisper stirs,

guiding the way. Through valleys deep and mountains high, With

every step, my spirit will fly. A flicker of light in the darkest night, A beacon

of hope, a promise of right. Though storms may rage and doubts may rise, I hold on

tight, with open eyes. The path is winding, the road unclear, Yet faith is the compass that draws

me near. With every trial, a lesson learned, In the heart's quiet chamber, the fire burns. Hand

in hand with love divine, Through every struggle, I find the sign. In laughter and tears, in joy and

strife, Faith is the thread that weaves through life. So I journey forth, with courage anew, Embracing

the unknown, the old and the new. For in every heartbeat, in every breath, I find my strength in

the dance of faith.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578

931-881-7806

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