26.9.09

The Seeing

Happy Birthday

"I haven't written for years," he told me. A teacher himself, who is just now tentatively putting his work on the internet, he still suffers wounds from... a writing teacher's harsh critiques.

What? When did critique become an opportunity for destruction?

I watch my own girls growing, trying. I watch them play, write, draw, paint. I especially watch my big girl. So tentative, so dear. There are those who would seek to destroy. Don't paint that way. It's [terrible, terrible]...

Today, though, I rejoice. For one who sees my girl. She's a teacher hired especially to work with *someone else* in the room, but she sees my girl.

This note from her, upon encountering these drawings...

Sara,

Your drawings are beautiful. The costumes so clearly depict some of the qualities of each continent.

I thought you might be interested in borrowing this book. Although the title is "Fashion", a lot of the activities are about where we can get our inspiration for our art.

Mary


Thank God for Mary. And for all those who see, celebrate, and support, as she does.


'Happy Birthday to Cousin' acrylics and fabric painting by Sara, 12. Used with permission.

Labels: , ,

5 Comments:

Blogger Halfmom said...

Since sometime before the fall, I'm afraid, LL. The critique then was poisoned by jealousy. A certain someone wanted what wasn’t his, something that was far and away above and beyond him. I think there is something of this spirit in many human critiques today, whether of student writing or of scientific manuscripts. The attitude, though it is rarely known by the one writing the critique, is self-promotion by other deprecation.

26.9.09  
Anonymous Maureen said...

I have among my favorite quotes this one from Maya Angelou:

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

If only people would remember that, as Seneca wrote, "Wherever there is a human being there is an opportunity for kindness."

26.9.09  
Blogger Joelle said...

What a treasure! I have saved my college papers for the gracious, affirming notes my professors left on them in their hieroglyphics. I am hugely grateful for the people who express honest, positive, specific feedback to my writing (and you are so often one of those angels). Your Sara will have so much more creative freedom because you and other mentors receive her expressions with love.

26.9.09  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I thank God for your postings... LL... really... you are one of my favorites.

30.9.09  
Blogger Ted M. Gossard said...

Yes. This kind of seeing is always needed. A deep appreciation for what is good and a gift.

And to see each person as intrinsically valuable and having something to give. That we each have something to give that is unique to us, in God's creation (and new creation in Jesus) of us.

Good to hear of that affirming teacher, for your daughter.

3.10.09  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home