I am bursting with artistry.
After spending a weekend in Georgia several weeks ago, I discovered something new about myself. I love to paint.
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved art and envied those who could produce it. One of my favorite classes in college was the art appreciation course I was required to take. I’ve always known that there is art in me but never knew the extent of my skills or what mediums I might be good at. I’ve always messed around with a variety of artistic projects (t-shirts, photography, sewing, sketching, interior design, music, writing) but never finished anything that would be considered an actual piece of art. I always assumed I would need to take a considerable number of classes in order to produce anything that could be officially labeled “art”.
But, as it turns out, without having had any art classes, I can paint. And I really enjoy it!
So far, I’ve really only produced two paintings I’m proud of (one in pastel and another in acrylic), but I am aching for more.
I also have a growing list of projects for our house that requires some measure of painting skills in order to complete. I am planning on painting some scripture on the wall of one of our rooms, at least one large piece of art, lampshades, and even some curtains. (Yes, I want to paint curtains. How awesome is that?) I am a little obsessed over home décor, recovering chairs and cushions, and bringing more life into our home with thrift store finds and do-it-yourself projects. Ryan’s even jumped on the creative bandwagon and wants to build picture frames for me and a custom-made couch.
The artistic explosion doesn’t end there.
I am now the worship leader at our church, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the freedom of worship we are experiencing. I’ve been involved with church music nearly my whole life, but it’s never been quite like this. I am in awe of God’s perfect timing, His faithfulness, and His stunning glory. We are so alive in Him!
The hardest part in all of this is being content with where I am. There are only 24 hours in each day, only so much money in our bank account, and I only have a limited set of skills. But it is so amazing to see that despite the limitations and weaknesses, God is so pleased by our expressions of worship and our joy of life in Him. As flawed as imperfect as it is, this life is indeed abundant.
