I’ve been busy painting in my studio, and I’ve noticed a reoccurring theme lately. I’ve been having my share of “oh my goodness. yikes. this is a big ol’ mess” moments. Yes, it happens. It is all a process.
See, I like to start with a finished piece in mind and often sketch the ideas out. I want to have a picture in my mind of where I am going . . . at least a general idea of the direction I am going. Usually after the first couple of layers comes my ‘yikes’ moment. But I have to say, I am learning so much!
I have come to learn that through my process, I am going to think it looks like a mess. I am going to think something looks ‘not quite right’. I am going to think I need to scrap it and start over! I have also learned that I need to work through it. I need to be patient. I need to trust the process. I need to keep that vision I had in the first place and just work towards it.
When I am looking at my project unfinished . . . it is just that, unfinished. I have learned the most important thing of all is that it will come together in the end.
I have also come to know this isn’t just a lesson about my paintings.
It is a lesson I need sometimes in my day-to-day. I have those ‘yikes’ moments when I think everything seems like a big ol’ mess and I have no idea how it will work out. But I also have a limited view, and I am only focused on part of the big picture. This one problem. This one trial. This one season.
Things would make a lot more sense if I could see the whole picture the way God sees it. I know that God knows. His view isn’t limited like mine; He knows the next step and the one after that and the one after that.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” {Jeremiah 29:11}
God sees the whole picture.
From the very beginning, through all those messy parts and trials and triumphs, He had a plan for each and every one of us long before we were even here. Isn’t that such an amazing thought?! Trials and rough patches are part of the process. Messes are part of the plan.
It is human nature to want to see the whole picture. To understand the why and understand the how. But God wants us to trust Him and believe in Him and what He created for us. Trust in God who sees the whole picture, who sees the big beautiful whole picture.
We are each works of art that are unfinished. We are going to have our “this is a gigantic mess, how will I ever get through it” moments, because it is part of the process. We are each part of His big picture, and He has a purpose for each of us.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life — for Your loving-kindness, Lord, continues forever. Don’t abandon me — for You made me. {Psalm 138:8}
Remember that God is always at work in your life. Be confident in His promises. He sees things we can’t see. Have faith in Him.
We will all experience our own ‘yikes‘ moments in life. The question is . . . will we turn them over to the One who sees the whole picture?
[linebreak]
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
Great analogy…you’ve been at your craft, painting, long enough that you have learned to trust the process…to as you said, accept the “Yikes” moments and keep moving through the process. The longer I live, the more I have learned to trust the process – the journey. I know that God isn’t finished with me yet and that He won’t be until I reach His heavenly gates, but there are some times when I ask, “Really?” another trial? another coat or touch of paint? But, as the colors and layers begin to come together, I have glimpses of the finished product and that gives me hope to keep trusting, keep pressing on. Life and art are a lot a like…thanks 🙂
Blessings,
Bev
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Oh yes… there are times when I ask those things too, Bev! Hope and trust, right?
Ms. Witi says
Love this…..my life is such a roller coaster depending on the time of year/season we are in. I dislike winter and S.A.D. seems to get harder and harder as I get older which also means my “winter weight” gets worse and harder to get off in the spring/summer/fall of MN. I am 2 different people and I know it.
1. One I dislike during Jan/Feb./March
2. One I love during the rest of the year. Being outside, active etc…
I sure hope the BIG PICTURE in my life gets figured out at some point. ha!
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
When we are in the midst of a trial, I know it can be so hard to see the big picture or even think about the bigger picture. I have been there too, Ms. Witi. All we can do is trust that He knows it. Praying for you during this winter season!
Veronica says
Hi Jennifer,
“We are each works of art that are unfinished.” This sentence leapt off the page at me!
It is so true, we will be “unfinished” until we get to Heaven. I liked how you linked trust in the process of creating with trust in God’s omniscience.
Made me think about how in summer, my flowers are blooming and everything is lovely…then Fall arrives and the blooms are spent and eventually hibernate, but with Spring comes the renewal of their beauty.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thanks so much, Veronica! It does make one think about seasons and flowers. Like when we plant bulbs in the fall and wait for them patiently until the next spring or summer!
Crystal Walton says
Thanks, Jennifer. Such a sweet reminder. Much needed. 🙂
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you, Crystal!
Barbie says
This is awesome!
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you so much, Barbie!
Adeola Odutola says
Lord you see all and you have known all before anyone ever embarked on anything for you are never caught by surprise even now, so I turn the whole situation over to you. I am going home to eat like Hannah did when you revealed nothing to Eli. Thankyou
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Yes, Adeola… He is never caught by surprise. Such a comfort in that, isn’t there? A comfort and peace knowing that He knows.
Cindy says
L.O.V.E. this! So beautifully stated, and the image is “yummy” too. What you wrote is the very reason that Art Therapy is such an effective too in the healing process for people…
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you so much, Cindy! So wonderful how art therapy can heal. Amazing.
Penny Doremus says
I often tell my girls our life is like a puzzle, we see one piece at a time, but God can see the finished product, the complete design. We might think the piece we hold is ugly, or serves no real purpose, but once it is placed in the puzzle, we see that is was very important to the entire picture. I’ve often wondered what masterpiece my life will look like when I get to heaven and get to see the completed design. Thank you for this reminder this morning. I needed it.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Beautifully said, Penny. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful picture.
April Windsor Box says
This is like a breath of fresh air today reading this. ‘Trust the process’, is what I will be saying to myself from now on. I never thought of it from this analogy, and I love it! Thank you for your art & insight 🙂
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
That is so kind of you to say, April. Thank you so much for that wonderful encouragement!
Cindy says
Thank you so much for your obedience in writing this. It was divinely inspired because I needed it this exact day. ❤️
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Oh I do love it when His perfect timing comes between a message and one that needs to hear it! Thank you, Cindy!
Maria Elena says
Wow! This analogy has meant so much to me because for years the Lord has ministered to my heart regarding this…we are each a unique work of art, a “Masterpiece” in progress and what we do here on earth, the choices we make, they are a “brush stroke” on the canvas. One day while sitting in horrible rush hour traffic, I allowed the driver in the left lane to get in front of me realizing their plight, and when I did so in kindness, I distinctly heard the Lord whisper in me, “that’s a stroke!” ❤️
I’ve had my Step-Father, my Husband of 38 years, and my elder Brother go home to be with the Lord in just the last 39 months. So there has been plenty of retrospect of a human life on my part. I understand we cannot appreciate a Masterpiece standing up close because all we’ll see are the individual strokes and even cracks in the paint! Aaawww, but when you step back a few feet, you’re able to see and enjoy the whole picture, admiring the beauty of the piece and the genius of the artist. I’ve found this to be also true as I look back through the lives of my departed loved ones. The Lord was working all along!
In addition, I’m thrilled to see God’s hand at work in the life of my almost 34 year old son, who for several years was the classical “Prodigal Son” and now is making his way back home to the Father!
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Oh Maria Elena, what a beautiful story! Yes… each of those brush strokes come together in one big, beautiful picture. I am so sorry for your great loss recently. It is an encouragement to us all to hear how you saw Him working all along through such a difficult time. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Beth Williams says
In the past few years I’ve had my share of Yikes moments. Times when I felt like all is falling apart and wondering when it will all end. I questioned God asking how will this all turn out, but keep praying and working through the process. He has seen me through most of my yikes moments and life is a bit calmer. I prayed a lot and sought out spiritual whitespace to be still with God.
Thanks for a great thought provoking post!
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
I have been through my share of ‘yikes’ moments as well. I couldn’t agree with you more, Beth, about praying. I couldn’t have gotten through what I have without it. Pray without ceasing!
Inspired Life says
Jennifer,
I’m willing to turn it over to Him…I’m just asking Him, can I get a sneak peak at where this is going? When up seems like down and down seems like up, I just want a glimpse that it TRULY is all working out for my good.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
The not knowing can be so difficult! I pray He gives you peace in the process, Inspired Life!
Lindsey Norman says
Love this. It encouraged me to reflect on Philippians 1:6, “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to carry it on until the day of completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Yes, Lindsey! I was also thinking about that verse while writing this post. Beautiful reminder and encouragement!