The Most of Every Moment

Yesterday, I walked into my little nursing home art class which I teach once a month and almost fell over. Word must have gotten out. Three large tables were filled with eager-faced residents. I had fortunately practiced and prepared what was a fairly easy project of a sunset over water (see above without the Bible verse...). However, since many of these folks need a lot of help to be successful, I was a little worried with this huge class!

Some of the people were from the Memory Care Unit. This was new...occasionally they will send over one or two who were artists decades ago. However, trying to teach a roomful of people including four with memory issues (who struggled to follow my directions) was a little disconcerting. Nonetheless, I had to forge ahead, and give it my best shot. I didn't lose a single resident to sleep, which was an accomplishment. Some did wade into confusion, but in most cases, I was able to fish them out. And when we finished, we had a line-up of very beautiful sunsets along the counter top. The residents are having an art show in a couple of months, and the Activity Director planned to save the pictures to be framed and displayed.

They all filed out, telling me it was fun, and thanking me. All except one lady. She sat in her wheelchair, gazing at the wall. When one's memory has gone, what does one think about? A nurse wandered by and I reminded her that there was one sweet woman left behind. The nurse wheeled her off to lunch.

I came home with the sketch I had used as the demonstration. Setting up my easel, I spent the next hour perfecting it. Then I used my computer to add the verse you see in the picture on this blog. Finally, I sent the picture and verse in a text message to the dozen or so women I stay in touch with who I counseled that chose life rather than abortion for their baby. This seemed like a good purpose for the art I created with the gifts my Creator gave me.

I figured one day, I would grow old(er), and might not be able to draw. I might not be able to even remember that once I had been able to draw. I might not remember that I am saved by grace by a God who loves me dearly. Best to take time now while I do remember, and make the most of every moment with all I have been given.
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Isaiah 12:1-6 

You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. ...