Blank Canvas

A Spiritual Encouragement for a New Year 

“In the beginning, God created…” Genesis 1:1 

What can seem empty and void of beauty to the ordinary eye, the artist sees a beginning; the ability to see what can be, and an innate desire to bring life and color to the otherwise bland. A blank canvas is an invitation to the imagination.  The artist starts by visualizing a path that leads to an unseen horizon, a direction of sorts, but can occasionally be haunted by the fear of where to begin.  

A blank canvas invites us to create. 
A blank canvas implores us to dream. 
A blank canvas solicits our imagination to soar. 

To the accomplished artist, the feeling of intimidation that first brushstroke gives won’t hinder progress for too long. For the fear of what the blank canvas could become will soon be overcome by a deep faith in their ability to create. It’s a trust that the first brushstroke will create a well-defined path, unlocking the colorful eagerness he or she possesses within. 

Preparation is the passport that connects creative thought to the first stroke of color. By careful attention to detail, the artist adds one color, then another, and still another. And with great aspiration, the images held captive in the mind of the painter spill onto the empty canvas, resulting in what will eventually be a beautiful masterpiece. 

In a similar storyline, we are all that artist. Each one of us stands before a blank canvas, of sorts, in this new year. A canvas that waits to be filled with the colors of our dreams, our passions, and our goals. What lies before us invites us to imagine what might be. And we are encouraged to create, to think, and to visualize what is yet to be.  

But for some, that blank canvas can create a paralyzing fear, and that first brushstroke can be difficult to execute.  

Some days that is me. And some days it might be you. But as we step into the canvas of a new year, let’s remember that our God is a creative God. He imagines the best for you and your year ahead. And He invites you to take your brush and start painting. Start to create and let Him direct your path to the horizon He has planned for you. He has big dreams for all of us this coming year. By faith, let’s surrender to Him, and commit to allowing His hand to guide our creative brushstrokes that will in turn paint a beautiful masterpiece. A masterpiece to be used for His glory, and for our good.  

So, in this new year, may your canvas be filled with the most vibrant colors, a contagious passion, and the creativity of the Creator of all. Pick up your brush and start painting. Your canvas is blank, and you are invited to imagine what is yet to be.  Happy New Year!