A few years ago, I knelt on my closet floor asking God what in the world I was supposed to do with my life. I have a history of saying yes to things that aren’t really mine to do and I was ready to just be fully me. As I was praying, I heard these three simple words in my spirit: be an artist.

What does it mean to be an artist? Here’s what I’ve landed on:

Being an artist is about making art, yes, but also more.

It is about seeing.

It’s slowing down, paying attention, taking a breath, and noticing.

It’s using our gifts and talents and passions to love and serve and add beauty to the world, each of us in our own creative way.

For me, it’s delighting in the little things, then capturing them through scratchy pencil sketches and pretty watercolor puddles or stringing together thoughtful words as an encouragement to others.

I love being an artist.

Beauty matters. It brings peace and joy to our souls and reminds us that God is good and we are loved.

May you find delight and encouragement here.