During the recent holiday season, I was able to participate in several festive activities. I toured museums with amazing Christmas displays. I walked through botanical gardens that featured a stunning light show. I met with friends to share some lunch and dinners. But one of my favorite activities was being invited and attending an abstract art class. 

I’ve never considered myself to be very artistic. My husband and youngest son are gifted with those talents. And I’ve never really been attracted to abstract art. I don’t understand it. But this was a chance to do something new with some friends. Our instructor, Amy, is a wonderful artist and she explained the concept to us very well. 

So I stood in front of my canvas and really tried to open my mind, my imagination and let go of my inhibitions. I kept adding different colors, designs and techniques. The longer I worked the more layered my painting became. After a few hours we stopped for lunch. It was during this time that Amy asked what we thought of our picture so far. Only one word came to my mind—chaos. My canvas looked messy. It had no structure and looked dark to me. I didn’t like it at all. 

I like order, systematic organization and clarity—a very Type A personality. So this was way out of my comfort zone. When I explained this to Amy, she suggested painting borders on each side of my canvas. This represents having the chaos contained. And when I did that, I felt more relaxed. 

As I continued to embellish my painting, I added new colors in hopes of making it brighter.  Then I just stopped and stared at it. I saw something I hadn’t noticed before. I saw what looked like an eye toward the right side of the canvas. And just to the left and slightly above it was the curved portion of half of a heart shape. As I was about to add the other half to complete the heart, I hesitated. These words entered my mind and my heart. “This year has been very chaotic for you but it’s under control now. I have had my eye on you so always keep your heart open.” 

My eyes filled with tears and my spirit rejoiced. I knew God was speaking to me. He was telling me my hectic year was coming to a close. He had never left me and wants me to keep my heart open to receive His love and to give it to others. 

I know God speaks to us in so many ways. The beauty of nature, the magnificent night sky, spoken words from someone and especially in His holy word, the bible. But I never expected to hear Him through an abstract painting of mine. 

I love my painting now and have it hung on my bedroom wall. Every morning I am reminded of His loving message. So be sure to keep your eyes and ears open, but especially your heart. You never know how He will speak to you. 

“The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.”  John 6:63 NIV

“The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.”  2 Samuel 23:2 NIV