"Did you take some sort of classes?" were a couple of questions I was asked. I smiled and replied with thankfulness, "Much of what you have seen today and in the past...my parents have taught me as I grew up in their home. We always worked together on church projects. It was always fun to help! The older we got...the more we got to do. I did have several other experiences in college that helped me too...a lettering class, choir, summer ensemble, speech classes, college play, education classes, and multiple school programs."
I got to thinking about all the different experiences in my life that have shaped me and have brought me to this place. Every circumstance has built upon another! I remember coloring Pilgrim's Progress figures for VBS with markers on cardboard each day for the next day. That is when Dad taught me the importance of coloring in one direction! We then went to chalk...and rubbed the fingerprints right off our finger tips. That's where I learned about shading. Finally, we moved to acrylic paints on stretched canvas and even wood. I will say that paints are my favorite! I still have my fingerprints and clean-up is pretty fast. I prefer cardboard right now...easily cut, moved, stored, and can be re-used/re-cut/re-purposed multiple times!
I am grateful for the overhead projector's abilities too! Proportion has never been my strong point, as I had to drop my drawing class. Sorry, Mrs. S.! I really could have used your help!
I have learned by watching and listening to those who know what they are talking about! If there is one thing we want to instill in our children...learn from those who have walked down that road ahead of you! It is a wise thing to just shut your mouth, listen, and learn. People don't have to hear what you know all the time about everything...it is annoying and rude! Don't live in the past...serve now. If you don't use the talents that God gives you...you will lose them...or get very rusty! Push up your sleeves and do the work. Give credit and thanks to those who have been your teachers!
Be appreciative for the creative mind that God has given you. Everyone has a different strength, a different "eye" for a concept, and a different talent to see a plan through to the end. I have learned that many hands make light work. When you get stuck...ask for help! I am so grateful for the team that Ted and I make. We complete each other...and he has GREAT ideas! It is not a badge to wear proudly to think that you have to do everything your way all the time and be stressed out crazy! That attitude defeats the whole purpose for why we serve God in the first place. Train your children and other's children to see a need and help.
God's Word has the answers! Often it is the last place we consult...even for the tiniest needs we have. Shame on me! It is an act of my will to choose to open my heart to what God has for me to do...every day. Do our children see me seeking God's wisdom on the little things...and well as the big things?! Do they hear me asking Him for guidance and help for the little things or just the big things?!
When I think about what I have learned through the years, I realize that I have been blessed! I know not everyone has the same opportunities. I also know "That to whom much is given...much is required!"
I had many people involved in my life over the years who saw the importance of teaching the younger generation. Every time there is something "big" going on in our life, our children want to be involved and help. We are doing our best to take those willing spirits and train them to help in the way that is needed (not in their way and time frame). "Leave your agenda at the door!" Yes, it takes a little longer to get the job done sometimes and other times things may have to be adjusted a little.
As the years pass, our children may have classes that will teach methods and techniques and offer ideas. But it is our job...right now...to teach them those things that you can't learn in a classroom! It is our job to see what their strengths and talents are so we can help direct them.
God uses many different talents...and I am so thankful for my parents and others who took the time to develop my natural talents...and taught me many useful things along the way!
Proverbs 22:6 makes more sense every day.
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