Protecting the Empty Spaces By: Joe McGinnis

Several years ago, I started painting. I started off using acrylics. I painted with acrylics for a couple years and then decided to make the switch to watercolors. If you’ve ever painted with watercolors (not counting the time in the third grade) you know that it is a totally different style of painting. Here are three basic rules for watercolors:

1. Plan your painting carefully before you start.

2. Start with the lighter colors and get darker.

3. Be careful to protect the “empty spaces” in the picture, because it’s the areas you don’t paint that really matter!

Ironically, I have also found this to be true as a pastor. I often find myself needing to be reminded of these rules as I strive for balance in my own marriage and family life.

1. It’s important that I plan out my schedule. I’m working about 50 hours a week. I’m a full-time student, finishing a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work out nearly every day. I write, read, study, and oh, I almost forgot… I’m a full-time husband and dad. Staying on top of my schedule is really important. To be honest… it’s a must. I find that when I’m winging it both at work and home, neither one benefits.

So here’s one quick tip I picked up along the way...Download the .pdf to finish reading Joe's article.