Fear.

Fear can be so paralyzing.  Fear can keep you from doing beautiful things.  Fear can take away the joy you should have had all along......but were too afraid to take a step forward.  Fear is a thief.

Last week I did something I was extremely afraid to do.  No, I didn't jump out of a plane.  No bungee diving.  No triathalons.  No picking up snakes.

I taught an art camp.

Okay.....I know what you are thinking.  I own an art gallery.  We host dozens of camps, classes, birthday parties, etc.  all the time.

But I only teach adults.  Once in a blue moon I teach kids.  VERY rarely.  Why?  Because kids scare me.

Now you are laughing.  Go ahead.  It really is silly, I know.  Afraid of kids.  Afraid they won't like me. I'm afraid I'll ruin their good experience.  Afraid of discipline issues.  Afraid I'll suck at it.  AFRAID!!!

But my church needed an instructor and someone who knew art.  Well.....that's me.  Makes perfect sense that I would do it.   At first I clenched my fists and said, 'NO!  I'll help plan but I won't teach.'   But what I really meant was, 'NO!  I'M AFRAID!!!'

Well......let me tell you about my week.

It was awesome.

The kids were creative and attentive.  Some were emotional but just because they wanted to do a good job on their art.   Even the 'wild' ones had a good time and worked hard on their art, even if they finished early and just decided to paint.  Their paintings of batman or skateboarding......or even the 'sewage stank' one kid proudly entitled his painting.....was really good!!  And all so different.  So very, very unique.

Making glitter globes.  Big hit!

And I got to be a part of it.  I almost missed it.  I almost let fear get the best of me.  I almost missed an experience God picked out for me.  Cause, as you know, God never forces.  He's that still small voice that coaxes, but never forces.

I am an art teacher.  Not just for adults.....but for little ones.

If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would be teaching art to kids....or to anyone, for that matter, I would have laughed.....then crawled into the corner into a fetal position.

So...... what does it mean to be brave?  To face ones fears?  Is courage defined by the man who jumps out of planes or climbs to the top of a mountain or swims the English Channel?  Maybe.   Or  could it also be the man who is terrified of cats who forces himself to pet one?

Courage has many different faces, I guess.  Big feats and small...... Large accomplishments AND quiet climbs.

My fabulous team.

Last week, a little of my fear was defeated.  Even tiny achievements in courage feel good.

Now.....will I be jumping into teaching kids all the time?  Nope.  But sometimes......sometimes I will.

AND,  I gained a little confidence to try my hand painting in a style totally different for me.  Another little something I was afraid to do.

It was fun.

I hope you do something that scares you this week.

Good Night.