Memories Rewind: Flecks in Time

Image Credit: Google

I sat at my beloved art station with my Etch-A-Sketch in hand. I started out with simple lines swirling across the board. If I didn't like it, I could erase the drawing with the crooked lines and smiley face and start over.

I would draw flowers, my house, and my name onto the dark grey surface flecked with little particles that magically turned my pencil marks into something visible. Drawing my name might not seem like a big deal to most people, but I had a hard time writing it when I was little because of my disability. I would practice making a big swooping "M". As I did this, visions of elegant actresses and movie stars flashed before my eyes. I longed for my writing to be simple and elegant, but at that moment it was a sloppy, lopsided mess. Discouraged, I vigorously shook the Etch-A Sketch, desperate to erase the painful reminder that I still had a long way to go.

Mama called me from the kitchen, which meant it was time for dinner. I was grateful for an excuse to take my mind far away from my failure, but I was determined to come back and give it one more shot. Oh, who am I kidding? I wrote my name in my writing booklet thousands of times before I was somewhat happy with the result.

This memory reminds me of God in so many ways. In our Christian walk, there is no question whether or not we will make a mistake. Rather it is a question of when...because we will. God, in his unfailing love and mercy lets us wash away our mistakes, anger, sadness, etc. He keeps loving us even when we see no reason to love ourselves, just when I saw no reason to ever believe my handwriting would be something to be proud of.

If you have a few minutes, check out this article I found about Jeff Gagliardi, an artist who recreates masterpieces on an Etch-A-Sketch. Seriously, his work is amazing!