GIVING AND RECEIVING
WHATEVER YOU GIVE ME; I WILL RECEIVE GLADLY.
(The painting is to honor a dear friend!)
That title almost sounds Biblical. But, it all started one Saturday morning on the Farm. We, (my brother, my father, and myself) were working in the barn. My brother and I each had some candy. My brother offered a piece to my father. He took it, thanked my brother, put it in his mouth and ate it. I then offered a piece of candy to my father too. He asked, “Did you wash your hands?” I answered, “No.” He refused my piece of candy.
I was heart broken. I made a vow then that when I grew up, got married, had children, that I would never refuse a piece of candy from any of them no matter if they had just petted a dog, or the candy had dropped on the floor, or whatever. As a result of that vow, there have been a couple of less then appetizing morsels enter my mouth.
I recall a few years ago an art student of mine named Ed, would stop by some thrift shops and buy some picture frames for a few dollars. Then he would cart them up to my studio and bequeath them to me. Remembering my dad and the chocolate, I thanked Ed for his thoughtfulness and found a place in the studio for the stash of frames. Then, when no students had a wish for any of the free frame offerings, I took them home, stood them up on the front porch and waited for the thrift store truck to cart them off. The process would repeat itself. Ed would bring more of his discovered treasures; I would take them home and wait for the thrift store to pick them up.
This process repeated itself for several years, till Ed passed on to the Studio Up There.
We need to learn to give. We need to learn how to receive. In each case, someone will be happy because of your learnin’ how. This can be in tangible gifts, but it can also be in the terms of vocal gifts, both given and received. It doesn’t mean one has to give false praise. But it is amazing when you always look for the good--you will see some!
That title almost sounds Biblical. But, it all started one Saturday morning on the Farm. We, (my brother, my father, and myself) were working in the barn. My brother and I each had some candy. My brother offered a piece to my father. He took it, thanked my brother, put it in his mouth and ate it. I then offered a piece of candy to my father too. He asked, “Did you wash your hands?” I answered, “No.” He refused my piece of candy.
I was heart broken. I made a vow then that when I grew up, got married, had children, that I would never refuse a piece of candy from any of them no matter if they had just petted a dog, or the candy had dropped on the floor, or whatever. As a result of that vow, there have been a couple of less then appetizing morsels enter my mouth.
I recall a few years ago an art student of mine named Ed, would stop by some thrift shops and buy some picture frames for a few dollars. Then he would cart them up to my studio and bequeath them to me. Remembering my dad and the chocolate, I thanked Ed for his thoughtfulness and found a place in the studio for the stash of frames. Then, when no students had a wish for any of the free frame offerings, I took them home, stood them up on the front porch and waited for the thrift store truck to cart them off. The process would repeat itself. Ed would bring more of his discovered treasures; I would take them home and wait for the thrift store to pick them up.
This process repeated itself for several years, till Ed passed on to the Studio Up There.
We need to learn to give. We need to learn how to receive. In each case, someone will be happy because of your learnin’ how. This can be in tangible gifts, but it can also be in the terms of vocal gifts, both given and received. It doesn’t mean one has to give false praise. But it is amazing when you always look for the good--you will see some!
posted by Buck Paulson @ 2:43 PM
4 Comments:
Buck - you truly have a way of finding the positive in everything and in helping the rest of us to do so also! What a beautiful painting and a beautiful message to match!
With gratitude,
Penny
This story reminds me of disappointments I had growing up. Even though my dear departed father loved me he gave me the feeling, at times, that I was a fool and probably I was! Rejection and disappointment are hurtful things to be on the receiving end of.
Since becoming a Christian at age 30 (1983) I have found God to be a wonderful Father. Even as He teaches and allows struggles He always affirms His amazing love.
Learning to receive is harder than giving I think. It requires grace and humility as you shared in your comments.
As a note of encouragement....I LOVE THE POCHADE painting method. I am just getting started and I am excited to experience the freedom of feeling what is in my head and painting it. No more copying!
This story reminds me of disappointments I had growing up. Even though my dear departed father loved me he gave me the feeling, at times, that I was a fool and probably I was! Rejection and disappointment are hurtful things to be on the receiving end of.
Since becoming a Christian at age 30 (1983) I have found God to be a wonderful Father. Even as He teaches and allows struggles He always affirms His amazing love.
Learning to receive is harder than giving I think. It requires grace and humility as you shared in your comments.
As a note of encouragement....I LOVE THE POCHADE painting method. I am just getting started and I am excited to experience the freedom of feeling what is in my head and painting it. No more copying!
Hi Buck,
Nancy, the woman I work with, came back after a business trip and told me about a wonderful man, artist, and teacher who sat next to her on her flight from SF to SB and relieved her anxiety about flying. After hearing just a few of her superlatives I knew she had to be speking of MY art teacher, Buck Paulson! So privledged to know you! Pati Griffin
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