I decided that during this new phase in Virginia, I'd knock on a crazy amount of doors and just see which ones God decides to open.
That was easier said than done. It's always hard not to see a closed door as rejection, isn't it? But I had to continue to remind myself that God had a plan and to trust Him.
So, I knocked on a ton of doors. A mural in a restaurant. Teaching classes at a little art shop. Selling art online. Introducing myself to galleries in the area. Another mural competition. Hand lettering. An art festival in September.
I just knocked and knocked and knocked.
And for a while, no one was really opening the door. They peeked through the window, or cracked it open slightly. I even got to the screen door a few times. But, I'm not going to lie. The first month or so here, I was pretty discouraged.
When you read artist's blogs sometimes, it can seem like everyone is just making stuff happily, selling an enormous amount of work, and all their dreams are coming true. But the fact of the matter is, this is a tough business. It takes guts. I could easily go get another teaching job or even waitressing job and not worry about paying the bills. But I know I'm being called in a different direction.
So, when you feel the call, and doors are being shut...it's quite hard not to start doubting. I started doubting my skills, my style, my career choice. I get mad at my work, I get moody, I get just plain weird.
But then, there was that still, small voice saying, "I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you...".
And then slowly, doors started to open. As if God was just pointing me down a path.
Some doors have stayed shut, but my perspective has changed. Instead of feeling rejected, I feel guided. God is telling me which direction to move by limiting the choices.
And suddenly I'm quite busy. Orders are coming in. Things are happening.
God is providing.
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