Archives for September 2008

Jay Younts has been talking about questions and answers, and I’ve been thinking quite a bit about about what he’s saying. I know I need to be a better listener. One way I can is to ask followup questions to their statements, instead of assuming I understand what they’re saying. Asking for clarification or elaboration is one way to continue to keep the conversation flowing.

I can think of a number of serious examples, but this morning I had to laugh when Bethel mentioned that her sister had green eyes. Without thinking, I corrected her, No, Laurel’s eyes are blue, not green. About ten minutes later, I realized that Bethel was correct.

Is it possible to be materialistic about one’s own artwork? When does a desire for a record of one’s work become selfishness?

Today we were making cards as a thankyou for a neighbor who did something very kind for our children. But as soon as the art project started to take shape (and it looked really, really nice), he decided to keep it. Fine, we’d use Bethel’s card. Then Bethel decided she didn’t want to give up hers. In disgust, I told them if they wanted to keep their artwork for themselves, then they should take it to their bedrooms.

The problem is that anything really beautiful my son refuses to give away. It doesn’t matter if it’s something he’s made six months previously and stored unnoticed in his sock drawer, or something with the paint still damp. I allow him to keep what he makes (and he’s got a portfolio crammed with artwork), and I don’t force the issue. But one of my concerns is that art production should not be selfish. When composers got too introspective with their music in the early twentieth century, their music was intellectually stimulating, but unpleasant to listen to. The audience didn’t matter; all that mattered was the mathematical order. I don’t believe that kind of attitude reflects God’s glory.

I suppose it’s natural that he wants to keep his masterpieces. I’m trying to think like an artist, and it doesn’t come naturally.There’s a difference between creating something for one’s own pleasure, and hoarding, I think. Maybe I’m just expecting too much from a five year old.

As for me, my reaction the other day was probably a little too abrupt for them. I was really disappointed, because I hoped they would find joy in giving someone something they had created. The problem is, it was obvious that I was unhappy with their decision, and I’m not sure I should have been so transparent.

Now I’m wondering whether this is worth deliberately teaching. I can’t think of any Bible passages or stories about selfless art. I do have a picture book about a sculptor who decides sculpting for friends is better than sculpting for kings. I can think of Scripture verses about selfishness, but I don’t want to be using the Scripture as a club for a child who simply enjoys making beautiful things.

After about ten minutes after the children scuttled to their rooms with their artworks, I in my bedroom pondering, David came and told me he had changed his mind and wanted to give his card to our neighbor. I asked him why, and his response was “Because you want me too.” I told him we’d talk about it later. I wanted to think about it some more.

If he gives away art because it makes him feel good to please mom, is that any less selfish than his keeping art because it makes him feel good? Was it wrong for me to be so clear that I disapproved? Am I being selfish in imposing my extrabiblical desires on my children, beyond their ability to understand? Should I continue to give them the option of giving their art away? Should I be glad that David changed his mind to please me? And how will I respond when we get the time to talk about the artwork on their dressers? More questions than answers today.

Here’s one verse we could talk about: God loves a cheerful giver.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. I John 3:1-3

One of the biggest surprises of this blog has been that, while I intended to write about how I am learning to teach my children about God, God so frequently turns my burden backward and shows me the needs of my own heart. It delights me that God is using my children in this way. God is still working in my life!

I’ve been thinking on these passages this week. We know that all of our experiences (even the children who may not yet be blessings of ease) are designed for a purpose. We will be like Christ! Right now, my laundry has piled up. I can be overwhelmed and sorry for myself. (Wouldn’t it be nice to be a lady of old with several maids to take care of peripheral tasks such as laundry? Yes, I know we have washing machines. 😉 A better response would be to recognize that even the pile of laundry points to my need for Christ.

Now John gives us hope, we will someday be like Christ, but he also gives us a responsibility. Even though our eventual Christlikeness is pre-established, we still have a responsibility to wrestle with the sin in our lives. We purify ourselves, even as Christ is pure. Christlikeness is a future certainty for a believer, but it’s also a present goal. I love the juxtaposition of hope and challenge of Christlikeness.

May I set my eyes on Christ the pure one, as I renew my mind each day this week. And get the laundry done.

How has God’s Word changed how you think or act this week?