A blank canvas to an artist is a fresh start to endless possibilities; a sunset off the coast, a landscape of the rolling hills on a Kentucky horse farm, a flower beginning to bloom in Spring. All it takes is a small brush stroke to see the beauty begin. But for so many of us non artists we see a blank canvas and see the possibility of failure, or we think of every person in our life who has the talent to make it something beautiful.
I am embarking on the final stages of a beautiful canvas filled with captured memories of the past two years. A canvas that started completely white with no experience!
21 months ago I began making scribbles in the lives of Senior citizens at Morning Pointe. I had absolutely no experience with seniors and was completely shocked I was selected to be the Life Enrichment Director of 32 residents, in a town that was not home and every sidekick that I had in college was nowhere to be found.
About the same time as a new career was starting I also stopped church hopping after searching for what seemed like forever! I found a community of people who come together each Sunday and encounter God through each message. a message full of truth and encouragement. where I have been able to lead high school girls and learn more from them than what is probably heard from me!
Soon my crazy scribbles started reaching outside the lines of my picture and God started showing me his Masterpiece! I have seen firsthand that what appears to be failures are only the beginning stages of successes.
I have been able to see God through the daily smiles and stories of the residents, through the final goodbyes to friends I will see again in heaven, through the co-workers words of wisdom and the kitchen chats, during morning devotions waiting for residents to pray, and even through the toughest of heartaches being healed! it is through these daily and consistent things that have strengthened me to be a leader and an example for the kingdom.
As the final touches are being put on this canvas in the next few days and weeks, as I say see ya later to many friends at Morning Pointe and all my Richmond families in the weeks to come (Madison community church, the Hisle’s, and residents) I am reminded of Jeremiah 1:5 “I have set you apart for a purpose, only You can fulfill.”
As I am preparing for another new canvas, nervousness has began and excitement! This new journey is one I am even surprised at! “Can one righteous young woman change the world?” the answer is “yes!” you have the Holy Ghost as your guide, and “He will show unto you all things you should do.” I don’t know where this journey will take me but I am receiving this new canvas as a special gift and I believe He will continue to amaze me with his beautiful artwork in my life!
I want to Thank everyone who has given so generously for me to reach my first deadline. I will be leaving in 11 days, May 17th, for training camp in Georgia, where I will be meeting my squadmates!
Lots of love!
Mariah
If you would like more information on how to help me raise support for my next deadline June 17 please click the support me link!
