The Process

When I was little I used to love looking at pictures and drawing what I saw. They never looked perfect enough so eventually I lost interest. It wasn’t until many years later, about four years ago to be exact, that I decided to start painting as a hobby. I lived in a beautiful compound in the Philippines and I found out that there was a painter in my compound who gave art lessons. I started going to his house on my days off to learn more about painting. I quickly found out that God was using that to deal with my perfectionism and the lack of patience. I wanted to know how to do everything right away but it took time. I learned so much from this art teacher, Fernando Kabigting, by hearing his story and passion for art. After a stroke many years ago, he had to learn how to use only his left hand and his right eye. He didn’t let his condition tell him that he couldn’t paint anymore. But I would say that the most important lesson I learned from him was that a painting is not done until the painter says it’s done. That lesson is a continual reminder of my journey with Christ. I am a masterpiece in the making. And even though I’m going through a process, I’m using art to bring life to others, particularly to my friends at the bar who are also in the process. I realized last Wednesday that the artwork I made for one of them was more than just a painting but that it came straight from the heart of God.  While I go through His process, I get to paint the things that are in His heart for others.

Close up of finished artwork done for a youth group talent night.