I do not teach lessons dealing with holidays in my art room. Some of you may be shocked, bothered, or confused by this. However, I think you'll understand my reasons once I explain them. First, some religions do not celebrate holidays and do not wish their children to participate in any projects that might focus on a holiday/celebration. I do not want any student to have to leave my room because of of the content or theme of my lesson. Second, our schools are so diverse that picking and choosing which holidays to feature might come across as exclusionary. If I tried to include everyone's holidays...I'd never be able to teach anything else. Third (and I feel the most important reason to avoid "holiday art"), art that focuses on a holiday is planned obsolescence. I love having my student create work that will last beyond a given day. Do you really want to look at a picture of a jack-o-lantern in April or Santa in February? Even seasonal art is enjoyable past the featured season. I don't want my students' work to feel temporary. I want them to create art that will be able to be enjoyed year round.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
It is so easy for us to focus (even obsess) on things in our life that are temporary. Cars, clothing, movies, hobbies, and a host of other things can consume our lives. I'm not saying that any of these are "bad", but when we allow such things to monopolize our time, energy, and finances.we no longer have our eyes (and heart) on what is most important. 2 Corinthians 4:18 is calling us to place our attention on those things that are eternal. For me, I must take time to come before God and lay down "all the things" in my life. I don't want anything to become a distraction from what God has called me. We must become aware and honest in order to keep ourselves in check. I feel this is a life long pursuit. The temporary can rise up and take our eyes off of God. We want to go beyond the temporary and live a life that focuses on the eternal.
What is something temporary that distracts you from the eternal?
Finances, unmet expectations, health, friends, your plans, car problems, home, or work?
Take a moment and ask the Lord to help you become more aware of the temporary things that distract you from living a life that is focused on knowing God & making him known.
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