Thankful.

Posted on by Kelly

Here it is the first weekend of a New Year and because we still don’t have the opportunity to run out and play easily, we are home. The quiet time actually lends itself very well to thinking. I agree, thinking is something that we profess to do continually but I’m referring to that deep consideration that we do when we are not distracted.

We may take the time off to work on a hobby, or call friends or family, or we might do what is referred to as contemplation and introspection. All of them are quite worthy.

Because of the New Year I find myself doing what is considered “counting my blessings” today. As I sat at my easel yesterday and today finishing up the first painting of the New Year, it has allowed me to think, and be thankful.

I go back to work tomorrow and have found myself truly thankful for the time I’ve had off over the holidays. I am thankful I have a good job with benefits. I am thankful that that job helps afford us a good home with heat and lights and other more playful amenities. I am thankful that my work has introduced me to people who will, in all probability, remain lifelong friends. I am thankful that my job also allows me to meet and interact with any number of employees and students and colleagues, each with their unique gifts and challenges to my perspectives. I am thankful that God has given me my art. I am thankful for a husband who is not merely compatible with me, but is a wonderful compliment, and completion to me. I am thankful for the people that I know, the family that I have, and a 1000 other wonderful things that I could start listing. I often don’t feel worthy of the abundant blessings that I have been given.

So I will close by saying thank you to all who have given me gifts of friendship, food for thought, healthy criticism, and motivation to grow and become better. I also thank those of you who have given me permission to paint your image as this young woman did for me in December. I intend to use 2021 to grow in my proficiency, and stretch my limitations as a painter.

To all of you, thank you… truly.

This painting is a 9″ by 12″ oil on canvas board.