Glory of a Geranium

Growing up I was obsessed with art supplies. I still am. I would, and do, spend hours staring at pencils, paints, etc. But most of all, the thing that fascinated me was sketchbooks. I loved the idea of a special dedicated to my ideas brought to life. I loved closing it and keeping it private. I loved opening it and uncovering pages full of blank pages, itching to be filled.

Recently, for the first time, I finished a sketchbook in record time- 3.5 months. Never in my life have I felt so juiced up with creativity that I could do that and work in commissions, a mural, projects and other art. This season is a blessing from God, and one which diligent practice is a daily part of.

One of the first sketch paintings in the book was of a geranium. It was fairly simply but fun to make. I was listening to a sermon series on the updside down kingdom of God by Church of Eleven22 (linked here, it’s incredible!). It’s about how our lives are for the purpose of bringing God glory. It set my heart on fire more than ever to make art that God loved.

In that process, it has become critical to have a place to day dream, to play, to try new things and to pray with shapes colors. Everyday it is critical.

That geranium became the subject of a new painting. One which turned into thank you cards. One of them went to a new friend who loved it so much she told me she was framing it and adding it to her collection. Her collection is a museum-sized, gorgeously curated body of work. I couldn’t believe she said it! in my mind, it was like a museum had accepted my work. It felt like a nod from my Creator- “good job.”

All of this story to share that in the practicing and playing, in the trying of been things and hashing out ideas- this is one of the best places. This is the below-the-surface where roots are growing and God is working when no one else sees. So, my friend, do not forget the glory in the geranium, or whatever you want to call it!

Also, I did decide to do a sketchbook tour now that this one is completed! I launched it on my new YouTube channel and you can check it out here!