This canvas has been 6 different colors with 100 different sketches; I couldn't decide what I wanted prominently displayed in our living room. I had elaborate ideas of a big family portrait, a grand modge podge of hymns & scriptures, a collage of good words, a giant fabric flower, a doughnut; the ideas were endless. I needed a big thing the kids would see every day, staring at them with a colorful reminder of something wonderful.
So I thought about it. What do I want my kids to know. To do. Every day.
Pick up their socks.
Use a tissue.
Be nice.
Yup. That was it. But on a grander scale.
We're nice because we're happy. We're happy because we're loved. We feel loved when someone's nice.
Love one another. As simple as that.
Deep, but not really.
Because when she's upset she lost the spelling bee to that boy...again...she can be happy for him. And when he's disappointed that girl didn't come watch his game, he can give her the benefit of the doubt. And when he watches his friends embarrass that kid, he'll tell them to knock it off. Because when their little brother ruins their lego house, they can invite him to build a castle. And when we feel mad, we can be nice. And when we feel alone, we can remember.
It's a difficult concept for our selfish selves.
So that's what it became.
A big, simple reminder of something wonderful.
"As I have loved you, love one another."
Hanging over the piano.
16 comments:
perfect choice.
What a wise Momma you are.
ToOdLeS.
i love this post and i love your canvas. so cute!
and, i painted my dining room your gold... the funny thing was, it matched EXACTLY the shade of brown that i had already painted (i had just mixed a whole bunch of colors till i found a shade i liked and painted). my husband really laughed at that one... i had spent a long time trying to tell him that your gold would be so much more PERFECT for that room. seriously, it was the EXACT SAME as what i already had. but somehow, knowing that i have a dining room "bungalow gold" does make me happier. so, thanks for sharing. and great color!
I am trying to remember what used to be on that canvas. I know it was something else...like may the force be with you or something.
Love it..and I am feeling very repentant at this moment.
Yesterday was kind of a rough day in the not-so-aMayzing household. So today's "scripture study" was about the verse in Mosiah where King Benjamin tells them to teach their children to love and serve one another.
I love the simplicity of your canvas and the message. It begs to be looked at....and heeded.
you are awesome. and great too. and wise also. thanks for being inspiring.
I like how your handwriting seems like it's going slightly uphill. That means you are an optimist. :) me too.
Nice. I wish my husband would let me do things like this.
What a great message...super-fun art too!
Poignant and well said.
Ugh, I LOVE this! Will you be totally offended if I sort of copycat your idea? I love big, simple art pieces and am always looking for ones to place around the house...
M :)
http://Mandthe2Henrys.blogspot.com
Ali, the one you saw was a house and a tree and yes, a Superman S. Because we like Superman. He's strong and nice.
And copy away M! I might just be a little sad if you make tons of money off it, though. So just don't sell it on ebay for like a million dollars.
thanks guys!
Perfect Cally! I love that it's been so many things too :)
that's what i thought it was- just perfect.
I LOVE this... Sorry but I am going to have to copy it in some way ;) Beautiful blog and projects btw!
LOVE IT_copying it_one of my fave songs in primary.
Calico: You are a marvelous Mom. And so darned talented. I am so proud of my little girl.
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