I’ve come to realize that like so many others, my life can be chaotic at times. It’s full of commitments, responsibilities, and an endless supply of distractions. I’ve spent so much of my life caught up in the busyness of working a full-time job, running a business, raising a family, being a wife, connecting with friends, scrolling on social media, and just…living, that it can sometimes feel like I’m living life on a treadmill set to sprint mode.

I’ve felt this more than ever over the past few months. With all the changes our family has been going through, my daughter-in-law and grandkids moving in with us while my son is transitioning out of the Army, my teens spending less and less time at home, and my career taking a big swing into new territory, I haven’t picked up a paintbrush in far too long. It’s not that I don’t have the desire; I just haven’t made the time. And that’s the problem, isn’t it? Not making time.

Painting has always been something that grounds me, a way to reconnect with myself and with God. So, I’m making a promise to myself to start carving out time for it again. Because in the middle of all this beautiful chaos we call life, I know I need calm now more than ever and painting helps me with that.

God’s Reminders in the Everyday

Here’s the thing: if we’re not careful, we can get so caught up in the “go-go-go” of constant to-do lists, notifications, and routine schedules, that we lose sight of what truly matters. When was the last time you stopped and really noticed the world around you? How you ever watched in awe at the way the sun glowed orange just before it dipped down below the mountains, closed your eyes listening to the quiet hum of the ocean, or smiled at the simple softness of grass under your toes? It’s easy to overlook those simple, beautiful moments when life feels like a never-ending to-do list.

For me, these moments of beauty have become a way to reconnect; not just with myself, but with God. I see His presence always in my blessings of family, health, and love but also in the comforting mountains I love to explore, the endless expanse of the ocean (which, let’s be real, is beautiful but also terrifying; ankle-deep is my limit), and the breeze that whispers through my backyard as I sip coffee on the porch.
These are the moments that remind me to pause, breathe, and give thanks. They’re God’s little nudges, saying, “Hey, look at all this I’ve made for you. Slow down and enjoy it.” And when I do, I feel a deeper connection to Him and to the world He’s created. It’s like a reset button for my soul.

Painting as a Path to Gratitude

Let’s be honest, though. Most of my days aren’t spent hiking through scenic trails or watching the sunrise over the ocean. I wish they were, but life doesn’t exactly hand out free time for spontaneous adventures. That’s where painting comes in. For me, painting is like a mini-vacation for my mind.

When I pick up a paintbrush, I get to revisit the places and moments that make my heart feel full. I can recreate the golden glow of a sunset over a meadow or the soft blues of a quiet morning by the water. Even if I’m just painting from imagination, it feels like a way to bring a little piece of God’s creation into my home.

And let’s not forget how grounding it is. Painting forces me to slow down, something that doesn’t come naturally to me. With each brushstroke, I find myself more present, more focused, and more grateful. It’s my way of saying, “Thank you, God, for this beautiful, messy, extraordinary life.”

Sharing Art and Connection

One of the unexpected joys of painting is how it allows me to connect with others. There’s something magical about sharing a piece of art and seeing how it resonates with someone else. Maybe they’re reminded of a place they love, or maybe it just brings them a moment of peace. Either way, it’s a reminder of why art matters.

For me, art isn’t about creating something perfect. It’s about creating something honest. It’s about capturing a feeling and sharing it with others in the hope that it means something to them, too. When someone tells me they feel connected to one of my paintings, it’s like a little spark of joy. It reminds me that art isn’t just about the artist; it’s about the people who experience it.

Art as a Respite from Technology

In my day-to-day life, I’m surrounded by technology. I write code, work on AI projects, and spend more time staring at screens than I’d like to admit. Painting, on the other hand, is my escape. It’s a chance to unplug and reconnect with the world in a way that feels so simple and so necessary.

When I’m at my easel, there are no notifications, no deadlines, and no algorithms. Just me, the paint, and the canvas (and sometimes my cat, Monet). I’m thinking about the colors that touch the tips of mountains as the sun sets, the rough texture of a tree’s bark, or the magical way light dances on water. It’s a break from the structured world of IT and a chance to tap into something more expressive. I think that’s why I’ve grown to cherish it so much. While technology is amazing and essential in many ways, there’s something irreplaceable about creating with your own two hands.

Gratitude in the Chaos

As I sit here reflecting on all of this, I realize how thankful I am for the balance I’ve found. Life can be crazy, sure, but it’s also full of beauty and meaning if you take the time to look for it. For me, painting is one of the ways I find that balance. It’s how I reconnect with God, with myself, and with the world around me.

So, if you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed by the busyness of life, maybe this is your reminder to pause. Go for a walk, pick up a paintbrush, or just sit and watch the sunset. Find something that brings you back to center. Because in the midst of all the chaos, there’s so much to be grateful for and so much life left to live.

Thanks for sticking with me through these musings. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a canvas waiting for me.