MY 2020
vision correction
Inspirational Blog by Christian Fine Art Painter Jodee Huish
Surrendering My heART to the Master:
He Heals My Color Blindness with the Simple ABCs—
Awake, Balance, Center, Shine”
MY 2020
vision correction
Inspirational Blog by Christian Fine Art Painter Jodee Huish
Surrendering My heART to the Master:
He Heals My Color Blindness with the Simple ABCs—
Awake, Balance, Center, Shine”
Awaking
In 2020, the unexpected strike of Covid turned the entire world upside down in a commotion of heated opinions and a desperate search for truth and answers. Mental illness, depression, anxiety, and crises of faith skyrocketed. Amidst the chaos, as the heat of opposition increased, I found myself on a personal quest for greater resilience—emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. My already year-and-a-half-long 10-minute daily habit of mindfulness deepened as I paired it with 38-degree cold plunges six days a week. The effect was transformative. As I slowed down, my senses came alive, and I became fully awake to the everyday wonders I had been missing. The pandemic created a sacred pause, giving me a chance to reassess my life. Before everything changed, I had just graduated from the Milan Art Institute, completely focused on chasing my art dreams. I would paint until 2 or 3 a.m., fully absorbed in my passion, even as my health declined. I couldn’t put the brush down. But when the world slowed down, so did I—and I awakened to see things with fresh eyes.
Awaking
In 2020, the unexpected strike of Covid turned the entire world upside down in a commotion of heated opinions and a desperate search for truth and answers. Mental illness, depression, anxiety, and crises of faith skyrocketed. Amidst the chaos, as the heat of opposition increased, I found myself on a personal quest for greater resilience—emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. My already year-and-a-half-long 10-minute daily habit of mindfulness deepened as I paired it with 38-degree cold plunges six days a week. The effect was transformative. As I slowed down, my senses came alive, and I became fully awake to the everyday wonders I had been missing. The pandemic created a sacred pause, giving me a chance to reassess my life. Before everything changed, I had just graduated from the Milan Art Institute, completely focused on chasing my art dreams. I would paint until 2 or 3 a.m., fully absorbed in my passion, even as my health declined. I couldn’t put the brush down. But when the world slowed down, so did I—and I awakened to see things with fresh eyes.
Balancing
It’s not like I was wasting time—every day, I showed up for my family, my community, and God. But when I laid it all on the altar, I had to admit something difficult: I wasn’t in balance. There were so many essential colors in my palette that I was neglecting. It turns out, focusing too much on just one color—no matter how beautiful—can distort our vision, rob our joy, and leave us color blind. How rich is any painting if it’s created with only one color and brush? Have you ever felt lost in a drab place, wondering where all the vibrant colors of your life have gone? Have you ever eye of the tiger chased your dreams with all your might, only to stop, look around, and wonder, “Where am I?” I did. The foundation of my day had slipped. I was pouring so much energy into my art that other important things—like who I truly am—were quietly fading. It wasn’t obvious at first, but when I paused, it became clear. I surrendered control, creating a balanced daily dance rich with vibrant spontaneous abstract play, tamed with quiet soft reflection and structured with the repeated disciplined strokes of character.
Balancing
It’s not like I was wasting time—every day, I showed up for my family, my community, and God. But when I laid it all on the altar, I had to admit something difficult: I wasn’t in balance. There were so many essential colors in my palette that I was neglecting. It turns out, focusing too much on just one color—no matter how beautiful—can distort our vision, rob our joy, and leave us color blind. How rich is any painting if it’s created with only one color and brush? Have you ever felt lost in a drab place, wondering where all the vibrant colors of your life have gone? Have you ever eye of the tiger chased your dreams with all your might, only to stop, look around, and wonder, “Where am I?” I did. The foundation of my day had slipped. I was pouring so much energy into my art that other important things—like who I truly am—were quietly fading. It wasn’t obvious at first, but when I paused, it became clear. I surrendered control, creating a balanced daily dance rich with vibrant spontaneous abstract play, tamed with quiet soft reflection and structured with the repeated disciplined strokes of character.
Centering
That’s when I stopped simply checking off my to-do list and truly surrendered my heART beat to Him. Goals, schedules, and lists became less about achievement and more about finding the rhythm I craved, filling my soul with priceless joy. I handed Him the paintbrush and let the Master guide me. Drinking deeply and intentionally from His Living Water each day filled my heART to overflowing. I’m still an artist with big dreams—just like you have your own God-given talents—but it no longer defines me. I realized how easily I could get caught up in my pursuits and lose sight of God, my true identity, and my relationships. Far from perfect, yet centered in His mighty love, together we are creating a balanced rhythm in all areas of wellness, both on and off the canvas. I continually ask Him to open my eyes to see as He does. In this lifelong process of centering my gaze on Him, I find myself imperfectly whole—through His perfect grace—because I want Him to be my sunrise, my night’s dream, and my every heartbeat in between.
Centering
That’s when I stopped simply checking off my to-do list and truly surrendered my heART beat to Him. Goals, schedules, and lists became less about achievement and more about finding the rhythm I craved, filling my soul with priceless joy. I handed Him the paintbrush and let the Master guide me. Drinking deeply and intentionally from His Living Water each day filled my heART to overflowing. I’m still an artist with big dreams—just like you have your own God-given talents—but it no longer defines me. I realized how easily I could get caught up in my pursuits and lose sight of God, my true identity, and my relationships. Far from perfect, yet centered in His mighty love, together we are creating a balanced rhythm in all areas of wellness, both on and off the canvas. I continually ask Him to open my eyes to see as He does. In this lifelong process of centering my gaze on Him, I find myself imperfectly whole—through His perfect grace—because I want Him to be my sunrise, my night’s dream, and my every heartbeat in between.
Shining
The truth is, we are so much more than what we create or accomplish. We are beloved children of God, called to “let our light shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.” The best part? With each of us, He desires to create us into His uniquely awe-striking masterpieces, more wondrous than anything we could become on our own. His process isn’t fast or cheap, and parts of it are ruthlessly ugly—but as I lean into the unknown, I begin to appreciate and enjoy this slow, graceful dance with the Prince of Peace. He breathes a sparkle into my eye, whispering His promises of vision: “The light of your body is your eye: if therefore your eye is single on Me, your whole body shall be filled with My light.” Now, when I approach the canvas, I create with eyes and heart oh Him, ready to let His light shine in every corner of my life. As He continues to heal my blindness and give me a 2020 vision correction, I see more of God, my true identity, and, friend, I see you—each of us shining His light through the sacred talents He has blessed us with. Keep shining Him thru being the One and Only YOU!
Shining
The truth is, we are so much more than what we create or accomplish. We are beloved children of God, called to “let our light shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.” The best part? With each of us, He desires to create us into His uniquely awe-striking masterpieces, more wondrous than anything we could become on our own. His process isn’t fast or cheap, and parts of it are ruthlessly ugly—but as I lean into the unknown, I begin to appreciate and enjoy this slow, graceful dance with the Prince of Peace. He breathes a sparkle into my eye, whispering His promises of vision: “The light of your body is your eye: if therefore your eye is single on Me, your whole body shall be filled with My light.” Now, when I approach the canvas, I create with eyes and heart oh Him, ready to let His light shine in every corner of my life. As He continues to heal my blindness and give me a 2020 vision correction, I see more of God, my true identity, and, friend, I see you—each of us shining His light through the sacred talents He has blessed us with. Keep shining Him thru being the One and Only YOU!
