The team effort building the playground in Jericho.
Okay, I am a creative. That is, I make things that didn’t exist before, I do things that weren’t expected.
I don’t do everything. In fact depend on others for a great many important things. The regular stuff I often need help with, the stuff we need, that I need. What I supply instead is that which may be perfect for the situation but nobody knew it was coming, wouldn’t have missed it if it hadn’t, but which adds to the quality of the moment or the space.
Moreover, I’m seeing how every person has their own person-ness, contribution and style, and how everything they do is microcosm of their wholeness. We could say of every action, “There he goes again.”
I see it now looking back at the time with the team building a playground in Jericho. I was somewhat useful, but not in the technical areas. When there was a mechanical problem to be handled, I deferred to others. I often moved around, switching “teams,” getting involved in things only briefly. But, as somebody noticed, I made a point of encouraging anyone who was doing anything. I pitched in with energy with certain non-technical things, like rolling the wheel barrow around and doing physical stuff that had to be done.
But what I did do that no one saw coming was to write a humorous poem covering antics and reflections of how we worked together, and then I took initiative to wait for the right moment and stand up and dramatically read it to the group. Nobody could have seen that coming, but they loved it and it added to the quality of the whole event.
It was the same thing with the paintings, which I took a day out to do (missing a day of touring) and then surprised everybody some days later with an “art show” in which they were presented, each one, with the paintings as gifts. Some said this made the trip for them, or at least filled any need to buy some special keepsake of the trip.
Again, nobody saw it coming, if it hadn’t happened nobody would have missed it, but doing it added to the memorability and the quality of the whole.
In truth, I didn’t see these coming either. It’s just the kind of thing I do. And knowing that, accepting it, helps with the personal freedom.
That’s a little encouragement we all need . . . to know who we are, the uniqueness of our particular contribution, and then do it.
Do it for others.
The world just gets better.
____________________
PS By coincidence of this post, I’ll be doing another of my speaking and painting events both this evening and this coming Sunday. It’ll be the Christmas story, expanded, both in word and on canvas. Tonight it’ll be at Capo Beach Church at 6:30. On Sunday it’ll be a Granite Creek Church in Claremont at 9:30 and 11:00. All are welcome at both.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:40 am
There you go again! Merry Christmas!
12:34 pm
Hyatt, just this morning I was thinking of you, missing a new blog post, and asking God for new blessings over your family. I took a nap, woke up and checked my email, and Voila! A new blog post! May hearts be enriched, eyes and ears opened, through your sharing of the Christmas/Gospel Story tonight and this weekend. Sending Love, in His name.
7:58 pm
Voilà your blog post. I certainly hoped for it to come, and missed it. Life is full of beauty, and you help us see it. Thank you, Hyatt!
6:32 am
Hyatt,
Wish you could webcast your Christmas speaking and painting events. Many fans here in S. Florida would love to tune in!
You are constantly “just doing things” for the better good in His name. Wishing you and Anne a heartfelt and blessed Christmas!
9:01 am
Hyatt, absolutely wonderful to quietly pause and picture your antics in my mind. Love this post. ;-)
3:57 pm
I love hearing this about your trip, about sharing your personal gifts with others. That is what The Lord has taught me through the years. It always amazes me when my eyes open and I see the unique way The Lord used me in various situations. I feel fulfillment, peace, joy, and purpose. It is such a blessing. Thank you for sharing again Hyatt! Blessings! Lisa
6:13 pm
You and Anne both added so much to our years in Texas -fun, encouragement, love, celebration…and the list goes on. I remember your including us one Christmas Eve when otherwise we would have been lonely, so far from home. You made it so special. It is crystal clear in my memory how we celebrated. No doubt that the good Lord is working through you!
10:42 am
Awesome! One body working together. I remember a very long time ago you sketched a drawing of my brother Josh in church at Heritage. That meant the world to me and to him. I gave it to him….You are a Gift to the Body and an Encouragement to me in these blogs. Thank you!