From The Director, Kathy Irvin:
October 2005 - High Art
"It is something to be able to paint a particular picture,
or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful;
But, it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very
ATMOSPHERE and medium through which we look.
To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts."
-Henry David Thoreau, Walden
I read this quote to the AJN teachers at our first meeting in August as we prepared to usher in the new school year. I love these words because they remind us that we really can have an affect on the classroom environment. That in fact, it is our greatest gift to the children, to create a place where they blossom.
And, then I think about these words as they affect my parenting. Do we not often wonder about this role, it's importance in the big picture of life, the day to day routine of it, the repetitive nature of rearing children? We find ourselves asking if this is really fulfilling, rewarding, enough to give us purpose and get us out of bed in the morning. But what if our greatest creation, our most important contribution is the way we affect the very atmosphere in our homes, in the lives of those we most care about? More pressure? Or perhaps a real reason to roll out of bed and attack the new day. What if my words, body language, facial expressions can create an atmosphere that sends my children forth with a spring in their step ready to see what ever comes their way in color instead of in grays. We know that the atmospheres others create are contagious. Ever been around someone who drags you down without even a word from his or her lips. Hey, even our children can work pretty hard at creating an atmosphere that can suck us in and make us just as miserable as they are - or want us to believe that they are.
But, I do love the idea that if I can do nothing else, I can be an artist and mold and sculpt the air around me. My attitude can affect the atmosphere. I can choose to make it glorious or gloomy. Ok, but what about those days where we miss the alarm and all are moving slowly and it seems to be Mom or Dad's fault. Had one of those today. My first reaction was not too creative. I wasn't moving in the direction of quality atmosphere. After all, I was late too and not too happy. On mornings or in situations like these I have found that I have to make a conscious shift, make a choice and ask for a bit of help. "Ok God! In need of a little help here"
Heard a song on the radio yesterday. Wish I could sing it to you but here are a few of the words. "When I look to Jesus all things are possible. I can mount on wings like eagles and soar." With his help we can certainly step in the right direction and paint with some bright colors.