I was given a gift by my mother many, many years ago. In fact, I can’t even remember the day or time it was given. It was something not given on a special date or holiday nor did it come wrapped up with a bow. It was something that, at the time I thought was normal, as ordinary and expected as having food or drink or bedding or toys because it has been there ever since I had memory. It is only now that I realize what a precious gift I have been given.
My mom gave me the gift of creativity.
This is not craftiness-the ability to make things with one’s hands or “artsy fartsy”ness-having an interest in art that I am talking about here. (Even though my mom did like these things and I really like them as well). I am talking about something so much more.
She taught me through her life and the way that she interacted with my brother and me that when you are being creative, you are doing the unexpected. She encouraged and fostered in me a desire to march to the beat of my own drummer, allowed me to challenge and sometimes ignore the rules, and encouraged me, and many times joined in, in helping me pursue my strange and often wacky ideas.
My mom was right there listening to all the minute details when I invented my own country as a child. She was right there brainstorming when I came up with an idea and sewed plastic see through ties with magazine clippings and wore them in school. She was right there helping me with my spelling in first grade when I wrote a play based on toothbrushes thinking I would “hit it big”. She was right there encouraging me and helping me format a persuasive letter and petition to allow our school the right to wear shorts. And she was right there to defend me to the principal when I got in trouble for my speaking out on “unjust matters”. The list of my bizarre antics could go on and on.
She has modeled through her life and encouraged me as I followed my own vision and experimented with it in ways that would strike many people as odd or even crazy. She made me feel like she took my strange ideas seriously. Never was I criticized or made fun of. We were able to talk and discuss them. And she listened. My, how she listened. After now having first hand experience with knowing how much children talk, I am simply amazed at how she listened to my brother and me with such genuineness.
So mom, today I salute you. Today I want to tell you again how amazing you are. No, you did not create a little rebel, even though I do like to challenge, and sometimes break the rules. You created someone who likes to think out of the box and come up with new ideas. You were, and are, an example of the creative spirit. And other than you and dad introducing me to the person of Jesus Christ, this gift of creativity that you have given has been the biggest influence on my life. Thank you and I love you. Happy Mother’s Day.
-julie
