A few weeks ago, Marc and I volunteered to help with some preparations for a youth dating fireside that was held this past Sunday. I spent a couple of hours every day for the last week or so making some props for the fireside. And, it was incredible how healing and therapeutic it was to work on them. I enjoyed it so much and felt so grateful for the blessing it was to have a creative outlet.
Here is the "bad date van" that was partially inspired by the Scooby Doo van (and, just for fun, I ended up painting the entire van by finger... now, that is seriously therapeutic!):
And, the cool, sports car:
(As you can see, Einstein was feeling quite photogenic, since he had to be in both photos!)
While I was painting, Marc was creating music and sound effects for the fireside. I loved watching the twinkle in his eye as he "worked" on doing something that he loves doing. It's been a while since he's played around with his music software... it made me happy to see his excitement doing it again.
I found it so timely that President Uchtdorf would talk on Saturday night at the Relief Society broadcast about the healing and joy that comes from being creative. I had already been feeling the truth of those words while spending so much time creating these props, and was grateful to have that truth confirmed during his talk.
I have been wanting to get back into oil painting again, but was struggling to get past some barriers of fear and insecurity. I think this was the perfect way to get started again... I really feel creative energy coming back. Marc and I both do. I'm so grateful for the inspired leaders (who happen to be awesome friends!) who would ask us to help with these seemingly insignificant assignments for this fireside... we're still feeling the healing effect it has had on our hearts. It has been such a blessing!
So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed by life, just pull out the finger paints and some cardboard... it really works wonders!
