Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: First (as in original) (01/10/05)
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TITLE: First Painting | Previous Challenge Entry
By John Lindsay
01/12/05 -
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The practice of addressing pupils by family name was common in colonial schools based on the British model. It emphasised the superior status of the teacher and added authority to his assessment.
The severe look on the school master’s face made it clear that best effort, or not, my water colour was not good enough, and it killed any interest in painting as a hobby.
The long-forgotten experience was triggered by the sight of my young grandson concentrating on his own work of art. With liberal splashes of colour he created his masterpiece, occasionally sitting back to consider progress. He was experimenting, testing ideas and gradually refining his initial clumsy actions. Finally he seemed satisfied, climbed off the chair and held the sheet of paper out for my comment.
“I like the bright colours. Tell me about your picture.”
“This is a red flower, Grandpa. And that’s green grass.”
“And I can see the sun in the sky,” I said, pointing to a yellow blob at the top of the page.
“Yes. You can take it home to your house.”
“Thank you.”
The budding artist seemed satisfied with our conversation and headed off on his next mission. A few minutes later I heard the sounds of a junior engineer constructing a tower with wooden blocks.
Our first attempts at a new task make us anxious. Tying a shoelace, making a speech, a romantic kiss, buying a car. The reactions of parents, teachers and friends influence how we judge the experience and our desire to repeat it.
Does little miss three-year-old want to help wrap a gift?
“Not now, I’m in a hurry,” seems a reasonable response from a busy adult. But that extra five or ten minutes is itself a precious gift to a child who will learn dozens of new skills in only a few years.
“Follow Me,” Jesus called to a group of fishermen, “and you will become fishers of men.”
The Gospels give no record of the first stumbling attempts to “fish for men” but the teachings and example of Christ, combined with the power of the Spirit, created apostles who “turned the world upside down.” Early failure was transformed into a potent mix of actions and words that changed individual lives and the direction of nations.
First attempts are rarely perfect. They deserve a gentle response, for who knows where they will go with a little nurture?
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