Original Painting: "Promise of a New Beginning"

2018 is now upon us. Whether 2017 went well for you, or not so well, it's time to wipe the slate clean and start over.

Here is a painting I did based off a photo I took during my honeymoon at the scenic Door County, WI. That was 14 years ago.

"The Promise of a New Beginning" 11" x 14", Acrylic on Canvas.

Our marriage was just beginning. We had many expectations of what it would be like, and for better or for worse, we have made the commitment to stick together. We've had many blessings over the years, and many trials. Many smiles and many tears. Many good words spoken, and many bad words spoken. We forgave each other many, many times, and the slate has been wiped clean constantly.

But through it all we are here with the promise of a new beginning. This new year is symbolic of that.

What will 2018 hold for you? You decide.

In this painting, I captured a beautiful sunset reflecting off the water. The sky was foggy, dreary, but the sun cut through it all, and represented promise of blessings within an uncertain, uncharted path filled with challenges.

A little church poked up out of the hills--it was just below the cottage where we stayed. I see it as symbolic again of the promise we made to each other to be faithful. And with it, God's blessing on our lives.

For all of us, in 2018, there will be many difficulties to pass through, but it all of it, God represents order in the chaos, light arising in darkness, possibilities in the midst of seemingly invincible walls.

The sun has set on 2017. It's over. And now, here we are in 2018, with a blank slate, ready to start again. Let your mind be filled with hope. Let your actions be strengthened by the grace of God--His amazing forgiveness offered through the sure sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ for you. Your sins and mine--as many as they are, can be cleaned. The Son has risen again.

It's a new day and a new year. It is now January 1, 2018. The promise of a new beginning.

Have a blessed day, and Happy New Year!

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See more of my artwork at: MattPhilleo.com