Yesterday, I decided to make use of the drawing tablet my husband bought for me. I got so caught up in drawing with it, that when I finally looked at the time, several hours had flown by. It is therapeutic for me though, just like writing. Back when I lived in Canada, I would pass the time sitting on our front steps, sketching pictures of people in magazines. I most often drew people or animals because I find landscapes rather dull to draw (or paint!). Anyway, that was a great pleasure for me and it also prompted some attention. I was well-known in my circle of friends and at school for my artistic abilities. When I moved though, I had to make my presence known amongst people who were already established friends. They were already divided into "the athletic", "the smart", "the artistic" etc. Going away to college really took me down a notch, because I was roommates with an exceptionally talented artist and neighbor to another very talented young lady. Suddenly, someone else was getting all the attention for something I was passionate about. I tried to accept that we had different styles and even accepted her advice on how to improve my own creations. I have to keep remembering though, that I am still Melissa. There will always be someone who is better at something than me. I may have shared this thought before in a previous blog, but it is worth revisiting.
I got so much joy out of sitting down and drawing on my computer. I have improved greatly over the years and if I persevere, I will only continue to improve. So, in case you too are feeling inadequate in an area you feel really called to be ministering in, or go to school for or find a job in, just remember that you are YOU. No one else can be you! Now, I know I’ve said this before, but you know your potential. You know your limits. Continue to press toward your goals and you’ll find that your potential will shift accordingly. I am pretty good at art. I think at least I’m above average. However, I cannot always compare myself to the world. I’ve never used coloured chalk to draw a picture, so how do I know that I could eventually create a masterpiece like my old roommate? I don’t. I limited my potential before even giving it a shot! Don’t sell yourself short either. I have a habit of aiming too high sometimes. I’ll have never used the medium before but I will choose a complicated subject or model. Challenging myself is good but sometimes I end up making a "so-so" piece of work, rather than beginning with everyone else and mastering the basics first. It has actually worked out better for me as well, but not without some unecessary detours etc. So, don’t aim too high but again, don’t aim too low either. Don’t let a success go to your head, so that you always have to be bigger and better, but don’t remain stationary.
So, those are just my thoughts for the day. I just enjoyed myself yesterday and know how silly I am for getting discouraged. I assumed I won’t improve and thus when I sit down to do an art project, it only ends up being exasperating. I feel like I have to do this amazing job everytime, rather than just have fun with it. Same with writing! Allow yourself to veg as well! Just have fun with it:)
Canada day is tomorrow! To all my fellow Canadians HAPPY CANADA DAY! WOO HOO!
Oh, and here’s an example of one of my computer drawings 🙂
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