Oh, I Can't Draw....

Yesterday, I taught my little art class at the nursing home. We had a full class once again, and several new faces. Word must be getting around that my art class is the place to be! All my old standbys were there as well. While waiting for all the folks to file in, I chatted with one of the newbies.
"Just so you have an idea of how I teach the class," I told her, "I can teach anyone to draw. I break it down into basic shapes."
"Oh, that will be fine," said Lorna, "I was an art major in school."
"So was I!" I said, "Well then you will be fine. Did you use your art in a career?"
"No, I knew it was a worthless degree and decided to get another degree in Occupational Therapy."

What were the odds? That is exactly what happened to me! We gazed at each other as though looking in a mirror. Serendipity!

After half an hour, a nurse wheeled in another new woman. The nurse whispered, "She will probably just want to watch."
This lady, Ima, looked a little foggy, and didn't seem to know why she was there. Nonetheless, I put a sheet of paper in front of her and the prompt drawing we were working from. It was a simple Easter bunny and basket. She smiled at me but didn't make any move to draw.
"If you decide you would like to try," I told her, "I can help you. I will catch you up here." On a blank sheet of paper, I quickly sketched in the basic shapes and set it before her.
"Oh, I can't draw," she said.
"That's what they all said," I told her, sweeping my hand to indicate the class of people.
Then I addressed the class, "And were you all able to draw?"
"Yes," they answered, "More or less."
Ima smiled again but made no motion to pick up the pencil. So I continued teaching, drawing at my easel and then working my way around the table to guide people where they needed specific help. Then I ended back by Ima. She had, on her own, beautifully and carefully recreated what had taken the others a half hour of step by step instruction.
"I thought you couldn't draw," I said, hugging her.
"I didn't know I could," she laughed.

Most of us don't know what we can do until we try. Most of us underestimate ourselves and settle for far too low a standard. I believe this is true in the realm of faith and claiming God's promises to equip us for whatever He calls us to do. With God, all things are possible, yet how many times do we fall back and say, "Oh I could never do that?" Remember Ima when you feel that way. Remember Ima, that lovely 90 year old lady in a wheelchair holding up her artwork, as surprised as any of us that she could draw.

 *********************

Hebrews 10:35-36 

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Proverbs 3:1-26:28 

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

2 Peter 1:3 

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,