This week’s prompt for the Word Made Art is to have a kid draw something in your Bible.
Honestly, this one scared me.
You’d think being a homeschooling mom, getting my kids involved in my projects would be a no-brainer. But the honest truth, my hermit’s heart is alive and well. I love my kids, and part of the reason I like spending most of my days with them is that it rubs away my penchant for hiding.
It’s hard for me to ask people for things. It’s hard to say, Would you play with me?
Even if the people are eight and five.
Because what if they say no?
I asked my youngest first. I told her about the project, and asked if she’d be willing to draw something.
“Yes!” she said. She went to our craft cabinet and pulled out the big container of crayons. She drew a heart and wrote I love you in the center.
Score.
Then I went to my eldest. I explained the idea, and waited for her response.
“No,” she said. “I don’t want to.”
My heart sank, but I said, “Okay!” and sent her on her way.
Earlier, I cut windows in the Bible to Cheryl Strayed quotes. One of them is this: “No is the power the good witch wields.”
My kids are not afraid to say no to me.
When it comes to non-negotiables, like being helpful with needed household tasks, bedtime, or doing learning activities, I gently tell them that no isn’t cutting the mustard.
But honestly, a lot of their noes do cut the mustard. They might bum me out, but they’re not something to take personally.
And it makes me glad to see that both of them can wield that power.
I think a lot of us have problems with saying no. We don’t set priorities or draw boundaries. We don’t sense our own limits.
I am okay with my children telling me no often, even if it is annoying or inconvenient.
I am okay with them learning how to wield that power in their own lives, and choose their yeses carefully.
Now it’s your turn! What project are YOU working on to transform the Bible? Share it with us!
- On Twitter use the hashtag #wordmadeart.
- On Facebook, post your pictures on my page.
- Or, email them to me at heather.caliri@gmail.com, and I’ll share them for you.
Want to join in the fun? Get my guidebook to the process here. It’s a hand-drawn book of inspiration for this encounter, with 52 projects that could keep you creative all year. It also includes links to project how-tos, ideas, and other helpful things to spark fun. Download a copy today!
When prayer loses its meaning, what then?