One of my creative outlets is art. I like to work with fine detail that requires control where each stroke shows and contributes to the piece of art. Because of this I often struggle with watercolour. By its nature, watercolour resists tight control. It is fluid and easily blends into the surrounding colours and areas. With skill and care a watercolour artist can include a vast amount of detail. However, in order to do so, they must work with the characteristics of the medium instead of fighting with it. A skilled watercolour artist knows when and how to relinquish control and work in co-operative collaboration with the materials. I have heard watercolour is easy to learn and hard to master because of this.
I don't like to relinquish control. I want to know what comes next. I want to create the vision in my imagination. Interestingly, in my writing I often relinquish control and work in co-operative collaboration with the characters I am creating. Before I start a project these characters do not exist. I don't know who they are or what they like. Slowly, as I interact with them on the page, I learn what they like and dislike. I learn who they are and who they want to be. It takes time and a willingness to dream a character into being.
I also need to relinquish control in my life. I only have the illusion of control anyway. I am a character in progress in the greatest story of all time. The Author of my life knit me together [Psalm 139]. He spoke the world into being, then He took time to carefully create me and each one of the characters in this story, past and present. I need to take time to get to know my characters. God knew me from the very beginning. I can delight Him and I can disappoint Him but not surprise Him. The most amazing part of this to me is that although He can control everything, He has entered into a co-operative collaboration with us, His creation.
As I pick up my paintbrush and my pen, I am reminded that I don't have control in my art or my life. I have influence and I can impact the outcome. I am a work in progress not because God can't perfect me in an instant, but rather because He chooses to work with me. He chooses to spend time with me in relationship. The more time I spend with Him, the more I learn amazing things I never could have envisioned. When I relinquish control, God shows me Himself. It is at that point God can most easily show me the next scene because it is at that point I let Him.
What a lovely and powerful comparison you painted for us, dear Lorilee.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
I, too, dabble in watercolour and must resist the urge to overpaint and overcontrol. What a lovely piece of writing, Lori. I especially like "I am a work in progress not because God can't perfect me in an instant, but rather because He chooses to work with me. He chooses to spend time with me in relationship." Relinquishing control to the One who loves us is freeing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI loved how you made this post about the control issue in all areas of life and how you so skillfully wove it into your use of Watercolour painting. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I can relate to being a “work in progress.” Sometimes I think surrender takes a lifetime to learn. Thankful for God’s grace as we learn and grow. Thanks, Lorilee.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this vivid picture of God working in and through us. When you wrote that in waterclour painting the edges often blur into one another, I thought of how this is like life--"easy to learn and hard to master". God gives us each day to learn and practice dependence on Him.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post, Lorilee. And I do adore the watercolour picture; although you don't say, I assume it's yours? The colours grab me. And today I am drawn to these words you shared: "I am a work in progress not because God can't perfect me in an instant, but rather because He chooses to work with me." Thanks so much.
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