Little Justine will be five in just five weeks, and very precocious. Of course . . . she’s our granddaughter. Actually we have 16 grandchildren, all favorites, but Justine and her brother are the only ones that live near us. So we get to watch the daily growth.
The other day Justine told us she’d been learning about talents. I thought she said she possessed them all, but she said, “Not all, just almost all.”
A short list starts with:
Jumping on one foot
Hula hooping
Drawing
Painting
Coloring
Tap dancing
Working a zipper
Holding a guinea pig
She said she can also hold a rabbit.
Something she didn’t mention was riding a bike, which she picked up lately and already races circles in the cul-de-sac, stretching the patience of whoever’s keeping an eye on her.
Which one of this ever-growing array of talents she will develop to the point of defining her is yet to be seen. When we’re young, it’s a broad horizon; as we go, it narrows.
It’s like making a painting. The first strokes can be all over the place, but the last stokes are limited and specific to that particular painting.
You might have known I’d get around to making a painting metaphor here. The fact is, I have been doing a lot of painting lately, and have received a number of interesting commissions. If you’ve been watching the Blank Canvas blog, you’ve seen their results. For a review, go here. (Speaking of that, thanks to all those who made such gracious comments on the last one, rounding out the whole message.)
Today I’ll fly to Anchorage to stretch, install and unveil my largest painting yet, a 12 ft. tall by 60 ft. wide mural for a new youth center at Muldoon Community Assembly Church. I got to know the pastor, Kent Redfearn, years ago when we were both working on our master’s degrees . . . in “leadership.”
(As I think about it now, it would seem I was still moving toward the talent that would define me.)
Over the years Kent procured a number of my paintings for his church, but this one will be a climax. The last time I was there he invited me to return and speak on Ecclesiastes. Since then I’ve made a book on that topic, so of course, it’s what I’ll do.
You’re all invited. Just come to Anchorage this Sunday and ask around. I’ll be the guy talking about his granddaughter with so many talents, like holding a guinea pig.
Who knows where all these things will lead? Like me, picking up a brush one day and ending up in Alaska.
Likely something similar is happening with you.
___________________
PS It’s About Life, my take on Ecclesiastes, is available on Amazon and on this website, here.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
1:03 pm
Always great to ‘hear’ your voice!
1:16 pm
Wyatt,
Though I’ve been checking your website ever since my husband Wyatt’s niece Trish Phegley told us about the art you and Ann create. As an amateur artist, I have been impressed by the talent you both have. And the fact that Trish talked about the biblical wisdom you shared in the church group only added to my interest.
Trish gave us both “It’s About Life” and “People of the Earth” for Christmas, and I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed both of them–so much that we’ve bought more copies and passed them on to others.
Today I took time to watch all the little videos on your website and was truly touched by your talent, generosity and even more by the love expressed in your paintings.
We intend to come to California for Matt Phegley’s graduation in mid-June. We hope to visit a gallery and see your work in the real, and hopefully purchase your latest book–and have it autographed in person.
God bless you.
Sylvia Saenz
1:20 pm
Well, this is where our awareness of you started. Our niece kept calling my husband Uncle Hyatt. I see I’ve called you Wyatt. Sorry
2:28 pm
Yesterday at work I called a student I work with whose name is Wyatt, Hyatt. I told him I was prone to doing that. :)
7:45 pm
It’s evident to all of us, Hyatt, that the talent God has bestowed on you is the real deal. I’ve learned that beauty draws the human soul towards what Dallas Willard calls an “additional life.” A spiritual life, an eternal life, and a different quality of life. Your paintings do just that. Go now, to Alaska, and bring that life to many thirsty souls. Our prayers are with you!
8:32 pm
Loved Justine’s talents!! So darling! She is really something! You and Anne are so blessed wtih 16 grand children and little Justine around all the time….. So cute!! Love all the appreciation from your huge talent in painting Hyatt! Great! Much love to all! Lisa
9:57 am
Dear Hyatt & Anne,
Thank You for the kind invitation, I would love to hear
you in Alaska!!! :-) Gods seems to be using you guys in
so many new ways!!!!
I love little Justine & all her cute, cuddly ways!!! You
are blessed! You raised Allison so well, with love, & now
that same healthy family love goes on in Justine & Maki.
I look forward to the miracle God is doing in Vernon’s recovery!
Praying for that!
Barbara
11:23 am
Hyatt, you continue to amaze. So incredibly gifted in writing, speaking, and painting–not necessarily in that order.
5:30 pm
Hyatt your description of Justine is like your paintings: Ingenious, spontaneous and captivating. Dexterity with both the brush and pen.
5:27 am
Like you Hyatt we share the same closeness with our three grand kids that live close. Being involved with and observing their talents developing is a gift.
Im watching their talents emerge and the ones with the art talent capture my eye and often need space and time to create. Thanks for the Justine cameo moment!
Im anticipating a good blog after your Alaska trip.
Your adventure continues as does mine!
John