Missing the Mark

Finding Peace in the Creative Process

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. — James 1:17

The boy slowly pulled back his bow, his small frame safely encircled by his father’s strong arms. His movements were awkward and shaky, but all I could see was the father’s radiant smile. The older man knew no arrow would come close to hitting the mark without his own strength, steadiness, and careful aim behind the boy’s hands.

“There you go. That’s the way,” he spoke with gentle encouragement.

The target was not the father’s primary consideration that day. He focused solely on the slow drawing back of the arrow until the bowstring grew taut, seeming on the verge of snapping.

“Do you feel the tug? Now don’t let go yet. Steady!”

The child was delighted, truly believing he was the one drawing back the arrow. I watched them and wished I could be like that child—trusting, trying, and believing.

The Weight of the Creative Life

Instead, I often fret over missing the mark. I struggle with whether I’m following the will of God in my creative life. I want to be a good steward of the talents I’ve been given, but confusion over how to develop those talents seems to be an ongoing obstacle.

“Missing the mark” is a common definition of sin, and the thought sometimes overwhelms me. I envision myself like Atlas, trying to shoulder the weight of the world alone. I realized that if I leave my loving heavenly Father out of the picture, trying to hit the mark of my destiny seems impossible.

I must remember that my heavenly Father knows no art project will come close to hitting the mark without His strength, His steadiness, and His careful aim.

Hearing the Father’s Voice

During those times when I wonder what the Lord intends for my creative expression, I remember the father of that boy. I envision my heavenly Father’s strong arms encircling my insecure form. I imagine His guidance as He softly whispers in my ear:

“JoDee, try a mixed media portrait. JoDee, how about using your own photography for the background?”

And even when the painting isn’t perfect, He still smiles.

I often recite the earthly father’s words I heard that day: “There you go. That’s the way.” I remember that God speaks with that same gentle encouragement. In those moments filled with fears of not measuring up, I tell myself, “The target is not the consideration. Just the slow drawing back of the arrow.”

The Process is the Point

As an artist, that slow drawing back can happen in different ways:

• Sketching an idea.

• Forming a face in Photoshop.

• Snapping a photo.

• Repainting a rose over and over until I’m satisfied, even though I know I didn’t hit the mark.

Whether you are just starting to dabble in an art form or have spent years trying to hone your craft, I encourage you to envision your heavenly Father saying: “Do you feel the tug? Now don’t let go yet. Steady!”