Mama Llama

My oldest daughter, Rylee, and I attended a painting class last year. Rylee was 6 years old at the time.

It had been years since I had painted. My dad had spent lots of hours instructing me in painting before I had kids. He taught me to take my time, don’t rush, notice where your source of light is coming from, and pay close attention to light and shadows. My dad has always felt that anything worth doing is worth doing right. And wouldn’t you know… I have that same mindset.

As my dad instructed me in painting, years ago, he would remind me “we are just layering.” If an area of my painting bothered me, he’d say “go back and re-do it.” But one thing he insisted on, as I said before, was “Don’t rush, take your time, and enjoy the process. Painting should be fun and relaxing.”

So as my oldest daughter and I are at this class painting together, my dad’s words came flooding back. He had spent his time and patience instructing me, and thankfully, I was in a season of my life where I was open to receiving his instructions. Because I listened to him, my skills grew and matured. I’m not a master painter… I’m mediocre at best… but I absorbed the information, made myself available, and heeded his instructions.

I do regret not heeding all the guidance and advice my parents have given me over the years. I could have saved myself a lot of heartache. But I didn’t always listen to my parents… which got me to thinking about Proverbs 1:8-9:
   8 My child, listen when your father corrects you.
                Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
   9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace
    and be a chain of honor around your neck.

There certainly is wisdom to be had, shared, and experienced if we are open to it and in a place to receive it! In this biblical instance, a father was preparing his son for life in the world. Our Father, God, uses His word to do the same for us. God’s Holy Word, the Bible, is our instruction guide.

As we are reminded in Proverbs 3:13:
                Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
                                the one who gains understanding.

This is the tool you need. To keep with you. This tool will help you find the answers you are seeking. Open it today and start filling your mind, body, and soul with the goodness and wisdom of our Heavenly Father.

Rylee and I finished our works of art and we felt so proud to have completed them. I think we will definitely take another art class soon and invite the 5-year-old sister to join us! Hopefully they will listen and heed their mother’s instructions!

God bless your journey!

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