It’s a helicopter. He drew the lines at the bottom first, then a slow circle to connect with the blade on top. He’s four, so it doesn’t look like much. But art starts out that way – small.
It’s a scrap of paper with scribbles on it. But those scribbles represent thoughts I had while driving, thoughts that may develop into the key points for an entire chapter in my next book. I jotted them down in the Target parking lot. It was raining, I think.
But it’s like I said before – art nearly always starts out small. Acorns turn into oak trees. Embryos become President. Love starts with hello. Life starts with a breath. All small, like Bethlehem.
Small things don’t always turn into big things, but big things always start out small. Lean into small, celebrate small. And in the words of a wise friend and counselor, don’t despise the days of small beginnings.
Um…beautiful is all I can say.
This is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
It is so special that his small beginnings have a special place on the Christmas tree.
Lynette´s last [type] ..Counting my blessings
“art nearly always starts out small. Acorns turn into oak trees. Embryos become President. Love starts with hello. Life starts with a breath. All small, like Bethlehem.”
Love.
Erin´s last [type] ..Coffee on a Tuesday Afternoon
Yes.
Of course.
It is so.
And how inspiring it is to see it put that way.
Thank you!
allie´s last [type] ..Math or Art
And every small thing had a beginning …which is connected to Him, ‘cos He said ‘ In the beginning…’
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Unfinished Creative Business
Love small beginnings…
allison morrison´s last [type] ..Unwrapping Christmas
Perfect timing again. As I sat in Panera last evening jotting a bunch of notes as the Lord laid them on my heart, it all felt so small and insignificant. But small and seemingly insignificant is where God is at work. Thanks for the reminder.
Love your little artist’s rendering!
Bonita´s last [type] ..Two Tips Plus More
Small things don’t always turn into big things, but big things always start out small.
Awesomely profound! You always say SO much with just a few words, Emily!
Thank you!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..The walking wounded
So thoughtful, meaningful.
Thank you for this. Simple. Short. Profound.
Dawn´s last [type] ..Being Unprepared
I love watching those small things grow.
amanda´s last [type] ..this year’s tree
Emily,
About that helicopter. It’s ridiculously magnificent.
All great deeds, all great thoughts, have a ridiculous beginning (Albert Camus).
Fall of 2011 cannot come quickly enough.
God Bless and Keep
such a great reminder. thank you. i needed that today.
Yes, yes, yes! This so encourages me today…merci beaucoup!
Small beginnings do turn into big things like intentionally taking a small step to making better choices. Great blog. Enjoyed this one!
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..Capture The Light
Aw, love your little guy’s helicopter. Another beautiful post, Emily. I am in love with small beginnings. Beginnings are filled with such hope and potential. They are limitless.
And I love, love, love children’s artwork. Probably for that exact reason. This week, on my children’s book site, I started what I hope will become a consistent weekly event: Masterpiece Mondays. A place to celebrate our children’s masterpiece of the week.
http://shelleyjohannes.blogspot.com/2010/11/masterpiece-monday.html Even if no one joins me, I am looking forward to building a wonderful collection of my boys’ artwork, and celebrating their small beginnings. =)
shelley.´s last [type] ..Masterpiece Monday
Girl, you are on a roll…every post meeting me just where I am. I had a conversation in my driveway 45 minutes ago with a friend and we were talking about small starts, the baby steps of wanting to make changes {in this case, regarding Christmas.} I want to change it all and get it right and I want to do it now. But deep down I know that any sort of change that lasts is the kind that percolates. Your words give me permission to be at peace with the baby steps. : )
Scooper´s last [type] ..Coming Into the Mess
Well, OF COURSE it’s a helicopter. I’d recognize those rotors anywhere.
And I’d recognize your heart-thoughts anywhere, I think. A chapter of your next book? Okay, fine. Or just a note here on your blog. Wherever you express yourself, I’ll be reading.
And speaking of big things having small beginnings, I will simply add that you are something of a giant of a writer, but you’re encased in a very little body. Sometimes big and small are all mixed up.
Richella´s last [type] ..Christmas vignettes
always pleasant and refreshing to come to your space here.
brightens my day every time.
LOVE this… you truly are brilliant…
misty´s last [type] ..Out with the old- in with the new
You are a beautiful person. I am thankful for your blog. I don’t know you and yet, we are friends. Bless you.
What a beautiful, lovely, wonderful post. I need a friend like you close by. Really.
You are so gifted- what beautiful words to remember. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Jane´s last [type] ..Merry December
Just love your posts–every one hits home. Simple beauties of faith…listening and seeing the little things He wants us to hear and see,being open to them, watching them grow if meant to, letting go if they aren’t. And the willingness to wait & see. -s-
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!
Mrs.B´s last [type] ..Miracle on Thanksgiving
This is beautful. I have a box full of my grandchildrens art. I love it. The heads that are mishapen. The smiles goofy. It is a small beginning of something wonderful. A memory.
powerful post and something i needed to be reminded of. thank you emily.
Mikelle´s last [type] ..learning new things with old things
I heart this so much.
dawn´s last [type] ..Company Girl Coffee 123
Thank you, Emily, I so needed to read this today. I’ve been staring at the blank page of my dissertation for days and getting lost in the bigness of it, but you have reminded me that beginning–even getting one sentence written today–is enough. I will focus on the small and trust that the big will grow in time. Blessings to you this Advent season
Susan´s last [type] ..Practicing Resurrection
that was a very nice thought!
have a great day.
I Love the helicopter!
Judy Schwartz Haley | CoffeeJitters.Net´s last [type] ..Dear Gem – Month 20
beauty = your words today.
adornedlife´s last [type] ..i had to try it
this took my breath away. and filled me with awe. thank you, emily.
emily, this is so lovely and true. a wonderful meditation and encouragement in the waitings and humble beginnings.
suzannah {so much shouting, so much laughter}´s last [type] ..how to win a blog giveaway with giveaway
This is such encouragement to me today… and I needed it.
Hey Emily! I’m over here from your sister’s blog. I loved this post! So sweet and sooooo true! I love the simple way that you explained such a profound and wise truth! Keep writing!!! I know that it blesses the Lord’s heart!!
Amanda Slade´s last [type] ..How I feel…