Dinosaurs and Prayers
Posted in 0 comments
I came home the other day and Cooper had drawn a dinosaur on his chalkboard. Now, I not one of those parents that thinks his kid is extraordinarily gifted. Matter of fact, one look at this picture and it is obvious that Cooper is no Rembrandt. Although, this dinosaur could be considered abstract, Cooper is no Pablo Picasso. But, this dinosaur was amazing – to me. While others may look at it and think, “I know 2 year olds that can do better than that (Cooper is 3).” To me, I get it. I love it. 
Why? Because it is my kid and he drew it for me. I don’t care about how well he used his colors or if the he was able to make the picture perfect. It did not matter to me about the line or form or shape. I did not even think, “It’s ok but analysis of your composition shows that the viewers eye is repeatedly led out of the picture. You should really make better use of shapes, both positive and negative, to lead the viewers eyes into and around the picture.” What a jerk of a dad I would be if that was my response when this little version of me showed me his work. He tried. He gave it all he could and he did it to connect with me. It was beautiful.
I believe it is Richard Foster who compares a child’s drawing to our prayers. God is not concerned about our structure or how eloquently we turn a phrase in our prayers. He is most concern with why we pray what we pray. If we try, give it all we have, and attempt to connect with Him, then to God our prayers are beautiful. Too often we can feel that our prayers are inadequate and lack power. It is often said that the power of prayer is not in the words prayed but in the One who is prayed to. Just remember, as you pray, to God, it is a beautiful thing that He treasures like a father treasures his son's drawing.
Why? Because it is my kid and he drew it for me. I don’t care about how well he used his colors or if the he was able to make the picture perfect. It did not matter to me about the line or form or shape. I did not even think, “It’s ok but analysis of your composition shows that the viewers eye is repeatedly led out of the picture. You should really make better use of shapes, both positive and negative, to lead the viewers eyes into and around the picture.” What a jerk of a dad I would be if that was my response when this little version of me showed me his work. He tried. He gave it all he could and he did it to connect with me. It was beautiful. I believe it is Richard Foster who compares a child’s drawing to our prayers. God is not concerned about our structure or how eloquently we turn a phrase in our prayers. He is most concern with why we pray what we pray. If we try, give it all we have, and attempt to connect with Him, then to God our prayers are beautiful. Too often we can feel that our prayers are inadequate and lack power. It is often said that the power of prayer is not in the words prayed but in the One who is prayed to. Just remember, as you pray, to God, it is a beautiful thing that He treasures like a father treasures his son's drawing.
0 comments:
Post a Comment