I recently started painting with watercolors as a way to relax. I am a novice, and none of my works are art gallery-worthy, but much of the time I spend painting helps me reflect on God's gracious work in our lives.
When you sit down with watercolor paints as a novice, you quickly discover that you don’t control very much. The colors spread, bleed, and blend in ways you didn’t always plan. What seemed like a mistake may turn into a beautiful surprise. Watercolor painting teaches us patience, trust, and wonder, much like life with God. Our God is full of Holy surprises, and even when they are unexpected, his plans are the most abundant for us.
We often want crisp lines and neat boxes in life, but God works more like watercolor—letting his Spirit flow into unexpected places. A brushstroke may spread wider than intended, but it can form a depth and richness we never imagined. In the same way, God takes the messy parts of our lives and creates something beautiful out of them. He specializes in bringing beauty out of life's messiness.
Watercolors also remind us of gentleness. Press the brush too hard, and the paper frays. Add too much water, and the colors run together into chaos. But with a light touch, grace appears in delicate shades. God’s work in our lives is often gentle as well, frequently slow and filled with care.
Painting with watercolors also helps us learn to pause. We have to let the water dry and wait before adding another layer. That waiting creates depth and movement. So it is with God. We may not understand why we must wait or why something feels unfinished, but in God’s timing and in God’s way, the layers come together to form a masterpiece.
Union Family, may we trust God is a master artist and is at work in us and all around us. Even when we only see a part of the picture he is painting, we can always trust his hand. He is creating something beautiful in us and through us every day.
Jesus loves you, Union Family, and I do too!