I wanted to share progress on a current mixed media painting I am working on, one I have begun to focus on more this past week… It is always amazing to look back and see where I began and what I end up with as my final piece.  Unfortunately, I am not very good at taking photos along the way, but I hope to become more consistent with that.

Its so easy to forget the process, the journey, the progress, where I started compared to where I ended.  I so quickly lose sight of the progress when I don’t take the time to stop and look back; to remember.  Isn’t that so true of life? I love what similarities there are in the process of creating and life.  I find that I so quickly lose sight of the process because I want to arrive at the destination.  This wanting leads to discontentment with the process, while it is the process that holds so much fullness and value.   Perhaps I would go as far as to say that the process holds even more value than the destination.  I am reminded again and again when I become frustrated with how one of my pieces is going (or not going), when I just want to reach the final outcome, when a season in life just can’t seem to break into the next season soon enough…   to stop, look back, and move forward enjoying, embracing the journey, and the many ways that God is working to transform me through the process.

Maybe you are like me and you often feel as though you are the same person that you were years ago… wishing that you would finally have worked through all your weaknesses, overcome your faults, and cleaned up all your closets.  I find that I want to be at the destination so badly that I strive to reach a place when I am good enough that I no longer need God’s grace…. and then I am again reminded now as always, that it is through the process of experiencing his unconditional love and undeserved grace each moment of every day that TRULY transforms… and His work can not be rushed!  He is at work in you and I encourage you to pray that we may all embrace the process no matter what season we are in or what our life’s painting may look like.  This moment is not the end of our story, nor does it hold expectations of what life “should” look like.  This moment is God’s gift to us… another small brush stroke on the beautiful work He is forming in you!

On a painting specific note,  I have spread this painting out over many months and have ended up changing a lot more than I thought.  At this point, I think I want to add a little splash of color back into it because it is feeling a bit too neutral for me, but I am not sure what the splash should be.  Feel free to share any thoughts…. all suggestions are more than welcomed!

 I hope you take time to remember where you have come in your journey and be encouraged that the process holds fullness in every moment.

Have a wonderful weekend!:)

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