A Fine Lady's Outlook: i-art (revised and updated)

One of the reasons I enjoy living in Northeast Ohio is because of the drama the earth displays in each of the four seasons. Even now.... the earth is unveiling her richest garments; colors from the Creator's palette breaking out in breathtaking designs cascading over the land; each one intricately woven into a blended tapestry.

I am one for drawing life lessons straight from nature, as they illustrate some of the most basic principles for us to understand. Only a month ago, this array of wealth was hidden from our eyes, held dormant in secret. And over a couple week's time, a new growth comes bursting through every living cell. Splendor has erupted, in its time, in its place, with beauty and grace. The earth now has its chance to be adorned in regal elegance.

And so it is with each individual. We too, have a beauty deep inside, waiting in anticipation for the proper time to be on "display" for others; a chance to be a blessing to those around us. All of creation works this way. Our lives are full of new beginnings, cultivated and nurtured in secret, and in their due season, they come alive giving us a new hope. This pattern of the seasons is essential in our lives. It rejuvenates us and provides us with reasons to grow and develop. Without hope, we are empty.

I personally considerate it a high honor to be a co-creator with the Creator of the universe. Yes, He has deposited into each of us a portion of Himself that allows us to be creative and explode with individuality. Where is your avenue of creativity? Do you grow a beautiful garden? Do you make beautiful music? Do you write beautiful words? Are you an artist in the kitchen? Is your home a sanctuary for all who enter? Do you share encouraging words with those around you? Do you make the most of every moment with a contagious energy? Can you take the ordinary and make it special? Can you take the usual and make it unusual? Are you spontaneous with ideas? Do you have an endless drive to accomplish and succeed? They say...if you can't do something different, do the same thing a different way.

It's just a fact. Everyone has an expression of who they are; i-art is what I call it!
Art is not limited to just painting, drawing and designing. Go up and down your list of people you know. I bet there is someone on your list who has mastered the art of good conversation, careful planning, or thoughtful giving. Everything we encounter day after day has someone's signature on it!

Today is a blank canvas waiting for our attention. Go ahead. Get a little crazy on it. Have fun splattering the colors of your world on it. Get a little daring... you're allowed to create something exotic! The freedom to own your individuality is a priceless gift. And the chance to reveal it is even better!

Every day greets us with a welcome invitation to spend our time and energy on becoming the person we were created to be, to reach our full potential with a little bit of help from the circumstances that surround us. Today is yours. Grab hold of the promise waiting to erupt and watch how your life is anxiously waiting to see these seasons become something so beautiful to those around us!