I CAN'T DRAW! Or. . .can I?

When my second born son was around 3-4 years old, looking adorable like this. . .

I have a memory stored in my mind that always makes me smile as I now watch him at 19.  All those years ago, he would sit at the dining room table with his brother, five years older and they would draw.  My younger one, Christopher, one day out of frustration, threw his pencil on the floor and in a quivering, teary eyed voice,  said rather loudly, I CAN'T DRAW!  I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO DRAW!

"A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art"

Paul CeZanne

I would tell him it just takes practice and not to give up.  He could have.  Many do.  But when God gives you a talent, it is hard to walk away. Christopher picked up the tools and began to draw again the next day. . .and the next, and the next, and the next.

"Creativity takes courage"

Henri Matisse

 Ever since, when he has free time, he draws.  I believe art has been therapy for him at times, it's been his friend and companion, God speaks to him through art.

"Painting (drawing) (art) is the grandchild of nature.  It is related to God."

Rembrandt

At the tender age above, Christopher made many drawing for me, his mother.  Do you think I threw them away as he grew older?  Certainly not!  I framed them. . .

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."

Edgar Degas

When pencil slides against paper, I glance over at him.  Sometimes he looks as if in deep thought, pondering at times, and at others, I catch him smiling as he continues to see the picture come to life in front of him.  When God works through us, we can't help but smile.  And that makes this momma smile.  She sees her son in his element.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

Pablo Picasso

Thank you Father for giving my son this talent; thank you for helping him to pick up that thrown down pencil all those years ago and to practice, practice, practice. Thank you for replacing that frustration with joy.  In his humble spirit, I know he wants to honor you and give you glory through his art.  This momma is proud of him for so many reasons, but my heart still swells when I see that little boy pick up his pencil and go again. Bless him Father as he seeks to bless you. 

They say "practice makes perfect."

I believe if you take your God given talents and use them for His Glory, His light will shine through whatever that talent is. . .what do you think?

portraits by Christopher Bridgman

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Colossians 3:23