perspectives & houses

guy francis teaches institute. this makes me more excited because he's a friend of mine, and a professional illustrator. he and his wife lorien are some of my favorite people. anyway, the lesson tonight had a bunch of art examples, which made me just smile from my little desk and soak it up even more.

he started out by reading us the book, "the dot" by peter h. reynolds (i happen to own this book, because zach gave me it last month for my birthday). it's become one of my favorites. i suggest you read it, rather than me explain. really. go read it. (you can even borrow it from me, if you want.)

we discussed potential and perspective. lots of good analogies and discussion commenced, but i just wanted to blog about one quick example.

draw a house.

(go ahead, do it. i'll wait.)

ok. most people draw houses like this:

right? when we add some perspective in there, we might draw it

like this

or this

or even this.

we often see ourselves like that first picture shows.

'this is how i am: _______.'

'squares + triangle.'

however, God sees all those other perspectives as well. though we may think we're simply a combination of squares and triangles, certain abilities or strengths, Heavenly Father knows better. he sees the other parts of our house. he might see a window on the east side under the roof, or the garden in the backyard. he sees the back door and that little path on the west side. he notices the chimney and recognizes the garage.

our little house could have

windows
and paths
and stones
and doors
and stairs
and gardens

that we don't even see.likewise, we could have

strengths
and likings
and abilities
and pleasures
and talents
and lessons to learn

that we don't even see.

how do we see? add perspective. through trials, sufferings, difficult callings, opportunities, etc, we can learn about what's really part of our spiritual homes (or mansions as they may become). we're not just squares and rectangles.

we may be called as a nursery leader. 'what? nursery leader? i don't think i can do that!'
we could find a hidden door. 'i really enjoy kids.'

we could experience a parents' divorce. 'what? i don't like this. this isn't how family is supposed to be.'
we could look for a window. 'oh. i have a lot more love for my family now.'

we could get our hearts broken. multiple times. 'i don't like this. it hurts so badly.'
we could plant a garden. 'i'm learning to depend on Heavenly Father.'

we could fail a test. 'i deserved a good grade- i studied.'
we could discover a secret path. 'ah. a lesson in perseverance.'

do you get the idea? it's a good thing we're more than just squares and triangles. guy then talked about how we are all creators. elder uchtdorf says 'everyone can create...something of substance [and] beauty.'

as guy quoted,

you are the architect of your own destiny.

so when you start to doubt yourself, start to create. make those windows and stairs and doors. discover your potential; create your mansion.



i could even venture a step further into the analogy and talk about creating that house on a 'firm foundation'...but that's a lesson for another day.

liberated!

I AM DONE WITH FINALS! (i even got the pdf sent off!)

i marched right into that jsb (the "extension" of the testing center) and i showed that advertising test who's boss. marched back out with a 93%, to match my previous advertising scores of 96% and 90% (i only feel good about saying this because i'll tell you this: i spent at least 13 hours studying for each one).

huzzah!

after, while waiting for a ride, i found myself sitting on a bench as the sun was setting, listening to coldplay's 'rainy day' and 'glass of water'. i felt so free up there (on a remote h-fac bench) i just wanted to dance and sing. but i had my sketchbook in hand, and started to wonder how i could illustrate what music does for my soul...especially after something as happy as closing a crazy hard week of finals.

this is as close as i could get. a quick sketch, but it still makes me happy.


ps. two posts in one day; is anyone proud of me?

FINALS

well...this is how my days have gone these last couple of weeks. life has been organized on small planners and note cards, a strict hour by hour schedule.


but now i'm one final exam (and a pdf to be sent) away from FREEDOM!