preparation

Time is a fleeting thing. One day it’s January 1st, and the next you’re in late-July wondering where the year has gone.

While art is not my full-time job (I wish it was most days), it has become something that fills most of my free time after work. Yes, I have friends and do other things. But most nights, you’ll find me at home, sitting in front of my easel painting to 90s country while Rosie snores on the couch. What started as a hobby as a kid has turned into so much more. And I’m here for it.

Not many people realize the amount of preparation it takes to get ready for Waterfowl Weekend. It’s the only show I remotely have time to do with a full-time job. Before paint ever makes it to canvas, I spend a lot of time brainstorming compositions. Some work. Some don’t. I learn other artist’ work. Not to copy, but to make sure my pieces stay original. I study techniques so that each piece is better than the last. And don’t even get me started on color theory.

I’m not insane. I just love to paint.

My close friends know how I have felt like I’ve been in this idle waiting period for a while now (which I’m pretty sure I wrote about last year). This year I’ve seen the Lord answer some long-awaited prayers but leave a few still unanswered. I’ve seen the Lord take some no’s and give me a better yes.

When I feel those moments of idleness come in as of late, I think of all the preparation I can’t see that’s going on in the background. It’s very much like what I share on social media. Most of my followers don’t see the piles of sketches or the unfinished pieces that didn’t work out. They don’t see the endless staring I do deciding if I like a piece or not. All of this is a gentle reminder that in idleness the Lord works. We can’t always see it, but He’s quietly preparing our hearts, minds, and able feet to carry out His will for us.

It’s easy to wish your life away and desire something that you don’t have. I’ll be honest that at 34 I have no idea what I’m waiting for these days. But one thing I do know is that the Lord is putting together something far more than I could imagine. He’s prepping my canvas and putting on all the good (and sometimes bad) layers.

So while I continue to navigate this period of idleness, I’m going to do what I always do…and that’s paint. After all, Waterfowl Weekend will be here before you know…