I like new experiences, but I admit that I prefer sticking to things I know how to do fairly well. Two of my children are the same way. The older they get, the more obvious this has become. Because they are bright, they are easily frustrated by learning new skills that require a bit more work. Learning to tell time on a clock led my R to tears during homework time, "I am just not smart anymore, Mommy." (I can remember feeling this way about diagramming sentences in 9th grade.)
I want my children to be brave--and to be willing to swallow their pride and try hard things. So, today I put my money where my mouth is, admittedly in a small way. I took on a craft project. :)
Although I am left handed/right brained, I really am NOT artistic or crafty. Thanks to a new pinterest addiction, I have really wanted a sign for my boys bathroom to replace the 'babyish' one currently on their wall. Unable to find the source of the one I admired, I searched etsy for something similar. The closest I could come was finding a vendor that would customize a sign for me--for $50-$75. So, I got brave, swallowed my pride and headed to Home Depot & Michael's for supplies. (This was way outside my comfort zone.)
An hour and a half and $12 later, I had my sign.
It is far from perfect, (I even inadvertently altered one of the words in the quote..oops!) but it was a labor of love...and every smudge and wonky letter was a reminder to me of how insecure it can feel to step out and try new things. (There may or may not also be a spray painted cat and evidence of another mishap with some rust colored paint to remind me as well.)It was an interesting realization to think that my children are doing this all day every day as they learn new sports, new skills, new subjects, new rules of life! I should have a little more understanding and a different type of encouragement.
As I was reflecting on all this, I remembered this insightful article I had read a couple of years ago--it seems especially relevant as we help our children navigate the waters of self esteem, perseverance and work ethic in school.
And while I am certainly not planning to get into the sign making business, I might just have to make one more tomorrow that says:
Source: bystephanielynn.com via Jennifer on Pinterest
4 comments:
I love your sign! I am not crafty either and you have a great point - our kids are learning new things all day that are not just as far out of their comfort zone as my craft projects! That's something for me to remember!
One of my older sons was in choir for years, and one of their assignments in high school was to compose their own music. Their teacher did the same thing, and then had the kids perform her piece. She made mention of how, when she's expecting the kids to put themselves out there, she can't ask less of herself. Definitely good for us to remember.
I am a "crafty" person but Pinterest has set me on fire! I see so many things I want to do. Recently I painted a Love the Lord with all your Heart(the heart is actually a red heart) I am still working on it but hope to post it on my blog soon. I think you did a great job and I also like the Hard things sign....it might be a good one for my grandchildren's play room!
Isn't it funny how we look at stuff we make and see every single little flaw, and others look at it and see no such thing? There's a beautiful picture of God's love in that I think.
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