Hello again, friends. Welcome to the final quarter of 2026. This month’s painting story is one that I personally need to hear so I’m excited to share it with you!
“Let the Tide Carry You” was inspired by a week with my family in a seaside cottage on Samish Island, Washington a few summers ago. Every morning, we’d open the blinds and eagerly check where the tide was at. If it was low tide, we would scramble outside and run along the sand in our bare feet. On the days when the tide was at its lowest, we would wander far, far out to where the boats were anchored and now rested in the sand. As the day progressed and the tide came in, we would watch these boats start floating again.
We were fortunate that week to witness some beautiful sunsets, one of which became this painting. I titled this piece, “Let the Tide Carry You,” inspired by those boats that would rest in the sand or float on the water, depending on where the tide was. They reminded me to find contentment in whatever the present state of ebb or flow I might be experiencing.
I painted this piece as part of my Keep Glowing collection in 2025 and it was collected by a long-time family friend in Ontario. I chose this painting for the month of October because the orange in the sky reminds me of fall leaves and pumpkins. I hope, too, that it can bring a sense of peace in the midst of whatever life might look like for you this month.
For those with the Scripture calendar:
I paired this month’s painting with Philippians 4:6 which instructs us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” As I write to you today, I am waiting to hear back from an opportunity I applied to. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I am reminded to take this posture of trust and know that God, like the tide, will carry this little boat.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: In this image, the boat is floating on the water, anchored to the bottom. At other points in time, this same boat would be grounded on the sand or out sailing the ocean. Where in that cycle do you find yourself right now? Are you content with where you are? In what way(s) can you let the tide carry you?
If you enjoyed this post and want to read a monthly art story, remember to sign up so future posts get delivered to your email! On the first day of each month, I will be sharing the story behind that month’s painting in my 2026 art calendar and it would be my joy to journey with you throughout this year. My subscribers also get occasional perks like exclusive previews and discounts. (Add me to your contacts list or you might need to check your promotions or junk folders if you don’t see the email.)
As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for being part of my journey and for letting me be a part of yours!