time to paint

Hello, friends!  How are things in your worlds?

I wanted to write to tell you that I'm painting again!  I'm taking my first ever e-course right now, and I'm really enjoying myself.  It's been seriously fantastic to get my paints out, get messy, and have fun being creative.  I haven't really done that since before little miss was born.  Crazy that it's been so long.  It feels really good to intentionally spend time being creative each day.  I don't know that I would have done it if I didn't have this class as a reason to focus and make the time. 

Painting and being creative, being myself - it all feels God-honoring to me.  One, because God is the source of all creativity, and, two, because it's part of who He's created me to be.  And I'm embracing that part of myself - not hiding from it or ignoring it.

All of my old fears and insecurities popped up again as I started to paint.  What if this isn't right?  What if it's not as good as everyone else's?  What if it's been too long since I've painted?  What if, what if, what if?  A friend of mine told me all the fears come because this is my heart.  Painting, drawing, art, creating - it's my heart.  And doing it, and ESPECIALLY sharing it with others is vulnerable for me.  So the fears creep in.  And she's right.  I've dealt with all of this already, in the past - am I really surprised all the doubt would resurface again?  It always does when we share the truest parts of ourselves, our hearts, doesn't it?

So what do I do?  I remind myself of the Truth.  I remind myself that I'm not what I produce - I'm not the end product.  My value and worth are not tied up in whether someone likes or resonates with my art.  I remind myself to play, have fun, create, express myself, be messy, be MYSELF, make mistakes, keep going... and it's good, friends.

While my sweet girl naps, I'm going to go have fun playing with my art supplies and being creative.  Is there something in you, in your life, that brings you joy, that's part of the very core of who you are?  Music, writing, sewing, gardening, cooking?  Are you making time to honor that part of you?  Of who God created you to be?  I'd encourage you to make the time today - this week - over the weekend - to nurture and express that part of you.  It will be a gift to you.  To God.  To the world.  I really believe that.

Perhaps I'll share some photos of my newest work next time.  Until then, much love, dear ones!