Something Sweet

Happy Duckling, 2023

Graphite pencil on watercolor paper

11” x 15”

Hi there my beloved art blog friends!

This week I have a sweet sketch to share with you. It is of an adorable little duckling. I happened upon a whole family of these lovely little guys on a walk through the park. Almost as soon as I discovered them, a desire filled my heart to preserve the moment in a photo so that I could carry it with me for the rest of the day. 

Each of the little baby puffballs was just so dang cute and there was a whole pile of them! My intention was not to disturb the family’s peaceful moment so I commenced my photoshoot from what I felt was a “safe non-threatening distance.” With each click, however, I couldn’t help but creep a little closer. Amazingly, the mama duck let me get right up close and personal. Her body language remained quite serene and her expression seemed contented as if to say, “yeah, I know my babies are awesome… take all the pictures you like.” So I did.

The message I’d like to share with you today is simple and sweet, much like my drawing. Ok, here it goes: 

Fix your mind on the good things, on the beautiful things, on the worthy things. 

There are lots of voices in this life vying for your attention. They loudly shout at you telling you what to be. “Be fearful! Be angry! Be divided!” They may even tell you that you should be all of the above, all at once. But the voice of God speaks truth. It is a “still small voice” that whispers softly and offers rest. The beauty of God’s creation is all around us. Fact: this is a beautiful world full of beautiful things and they are all just waiting to bless you. Each one is an opportunity to experience God’s goodness first-hand and an invitation to receive His peace. 

So I encourage you, dear friend, to fix your mind on the beautiful things of this world. Take those intrusive thoughts captive in Jesus’ name and allow them to fall by the wayside. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV).

May the God of peace be with you all. God bless you ~Angela