Lent 2018: 40 Days of Paintings
Lent 2018 was my second experience of the challenge of Lent. Part of my first Lent included the “Best Lent Ever” program with Dynamic Catholic (click here to visit their site) — I still participate each Lent. This ministry’s creative approach to Lenten sacrifice encouraged me to be more creative about Lent. While traditional fasting involving food is still an important part, I learned I could also “fast” in other ways by giving up something unnecessary and replacing it with a positive action. While continuing regular almsgiving, I could add other forms of giving. I realized that self-denial is only the first step in self-discipline.
I chose to give up social media for 40 days and replace it with creating a small painting each day. For simplicity, I allowed myself any media, any size, any subject, but for practical reasons I mostly created watercolors on 4x6 postcards. At this time, I had done little work with watercolor and had let my painting skills get rusty. My first few days had mixed results, but my skills quickly improved. Some subjects were deeply personal, some overtly spiritual, others simply technical challenges.
On Easter Sunday, after the celebrations were done, I realized I had a nice collection of tiny works and some positive realizations. Some of my favorites are on display, so reminders of Lent are always before me. I often find healing in the creative process, and that happened several times in this project. I have a tangible reminder that daily practice of any skill brings swift results. Spiritual imagery is not always obvious. The modest disciplines of Lent are a wonderful opportunity to prepare for a rebirth each year.
Peace be with you.
—Leigh