I thank God often during my day and make it a practice to thank him at length before I retire at night. It is a good way to end the day, and you can't help but sleep better after having your head full of the goodness of God who provides.
I pray about lots of things during my day too. Most people pray only about the major issues in their lives and I feel this is a loss to them. I remember those in the Bible who prayed silently in their hearts during a crisis, and God answered their prayers as much as if they were shouted from a mountain top, so I pray silently many, many times during my day at work, or home, or going about the business of what I have to do.
I have been praying lately about a young student I have in the art class I teach. This student is a nice, honest, sincere person, but not an artist. I felt I have not been able to connect with this young person; I say draw a line to the right and the student draws to the left; after which smiles with pride at something that has no resemblance to project we are all working on. I say let's draw a square or circle and the student makes marks that have no similarity to any geometric shape. The student is normal, and has no disabilities; this one is just not an artist.
My heart breaks for the student. I wish I could somehow communicate what I want the young person to do. I have prayed many times over this struggle. I pray while driving to the class and pray the night before as I try to design projects to help his skill.
* I pray for wisdom,
* For insight,
* For an appropriate lesson plan,
* For sensitivity to the child's heart.
Two things happened because of prayer. First, I resolved that I would embrace his style of whatever it is he is doing, and give praise, (which I already do), but give it even more liberally; maybe my frustration at his results might have been in my voice without my realizing it, doubtless, the Lord was guiding these thoughts. Second I got an idea or was given it by the Lord, to break down the lessons to the most basic components and teach those components one step at a time. The nature of the class allows me to give individual attention.
I went to the class the next day, reinforced with more prayer and the new plan. In only a few minutes it was obvious that the student and I were connected in a new very dynamic way. God had answered my prayers for this situation, the student began to see the concepts I was explaining and demonstrating them in his sketchbook. My feelings of frustration are replaced by excitement at the student's style. I am very grateful to the Lord for the blessing of success in a little way in the life of a young artist. Now when I look at his work I say, "Wow, what an inspired drawing! I would have never thought of going in that direction." Inwardly I wonder if there might be another Picasso, Van Gogh, or Monet in my hands.
I pray about lots of things during my day too. Most people pray only about the major issues in their lives and I feel this is a loss to them. I remember those in the Bible who prayed silently in their hearts during a crisis, and God answered their prayers as much as if they were shouted from a mountain top, so I pray silently many, many times during my day at work, or home, or going about the business of what I have to do.
I have been praying lately about a young student I have in the art class I teach. This student is a nice, honest, sincere person, but not an artist. I felt I have not been able to connect with this young person; I say draw a line to the right and the student draws to the left; after which smiles with pride at something that has no resemblance to project we are all working on. I say let's draw a square or circle and the student makes marks that have no similarity to any geometric shape. The student is normal, and has no disabilities; this one is just not an artist.
My heart breaks for the student. I wish I could somehow communicate what I want the young person to do. I have prayed many times over this struggle. I pray while driving to the class and pray the night before as I try to design projects to help his skill.
* I pray for wisdom,
* For insight,
* For an appropriate lesson plan,
* For sensitivity to the child's heart.
Two things happened because of prayer. First, I resolved that I would embrace his style of whatever it is he is doing, and give praise, (which I already do), but give it even more liberally; maybe my frustration at his results might have been in my voice without my realizing it, doubtless, the Lord was guiding these thoughts. Second I got an idea or was given it by the Lord, to break down the lessons to the most basic components and teach those components one step at a time. The nature of the class allows me to give individual attention.
I went to the class the next day, reinforced with more prayer and the new plan. In only a few minutes it was obvious that the student and I were connected in a new very dynamic way. God had answered my prayers for this situation, the student began to see the concepts I was explaining and demonstrating them in his sketchbook. My feelings of frustration are replaced by excitement at the student's style. I am very grateful to the Lord for the blessing of success in a little way in the life of a young artist. Now when I look at his work I say, "Wow, what an inspired drawing! I would have never thought of going in that direction." Inwardly I wonder if there might be another Picasso, Van Gogh, or Monet in my hands.
