From Devastation to Joy

Last Sunday, my husband announced he is allergic to my oil paints. Painting has been a passion since I was twelve, right along with my writing. Besides that, I have hundreds of dollars invested in my art supplies. Not an easy thing to throw out or give up, but my husband’s health is more important.

Still, I couldn’t help my spiraling emotions, and I took all my paintings down, unable to look at them.

Later, after my thoughts settled, my husband and I looked for a solution, starting with an outside art studio. However, the building, electricity and heating and cooling proved cost prohibitive.

More research revealed the solvents, more than the paints, caused allergies. Not only that, but they are also highly toxic. A little more digging discovered water-soluble oil paint. They clean with water and a soap rather than the harsh solvents. Another bonus, my local art stores carry every color I could want along with water soluble mediums to replace my paint thinner and painting medium.

However, although they are non-toxic, my sources said they still have some odor, which may bother my husband even though they aren’t toxic.

My husband suggested looking at some better ventilation for my studio. The simplest and least expensive is a window exhaust fan. We found one that is powerful enough to clear the odors from my studio for a reasonable price, $40. With a little DIY finagling to seal the gap between the window and fan, we found a solution. (And my paintings are back on the walls.) 

The next day, my sweet husband took me shopping to restock my painting supplies, never batting an eye at the price tag, a little over $150. Cheap considering how many tubes of paint I’d accumulated over the years. I thanked him for his support and willingness to help me find (and fund) a way for me to continue my art. It still pained me to pack all my regular oil paints and mediums into a bag to take to the toxic recycling bin at our waste transfer station, but the new paints mitigated the sting.

This is Passion Week, and my readings tell the story of Jesus’ passion and death. After my little disappointment, I have a tiny glimpse into how the disciples must have felt on Easter after the horrors of Calvery.

I’m sure there will be many more mini-Calvery moments in my life until I find the eternal joy of Easter when I meet Jesus in heaven.

Until then, I am thankful for the earthly joys I am blessed with, beginning with my husband and his love and generosity. I’ll never take it for granted and will work hard to return it in kind. Then, if you truly love someone, being kind and generous isn’t a burden but a joy.

Thank you, Lord, for loving us enough to give us both Calvery and Easter. Amen.

Happy and Blessed Easter to you!