At 75, I’ve started something new.
Last year most of my bees left home. I’m down to one hive. I had also finished my third (and probably my last) book. It seemed God was closing a door. So when fall came knocking, I began looking for something to occupy my spare time over the coming winter.
I found some old acrylic paint and a few brushes in my closet—leftovers from my pre-mission days in my stained glass studio and thought, “Why not paint?”
For fun, I decided to try my hand at painting. I posted a few of my pieces online and got some encouraging feedback. When God closes a door, He also opens one, but it’s up to us to walk through it. So I kept on painting and began selling some pieces online. In December, I joined a local art collective and was asked to become a vendor at a women’s conference.
In the summer, I began showing some pieces at art shows, art galleries, and craft fairs. Before long, folks started commissioning specific paintings, based on a favorite scripture or special scene.
This November will be the one-year anniversary since I started on my new adventure, and I’m learning to improve my craft, which has certainly kept me busy. I’m still teaching, running a small group, and coaching other small group leaders, while exploring this new aspect of my ministry.
After all, it’s never too late and you’re never too old to start something new.
Take a look at my work on my newly redesigned website: mjmiller.org and let me know what you think.
Have a blessed day!