Beauty Is...

I used to dread art class when I was a kid. It seemed no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't make my hand create the beautiful picture I envisioned in my head. I hated looking around and seeing, what seemed to me, everyone doing their art projects with ease while I struggled and struggled. Even now as an adult I avoid the arts and crafts activities our church has because I don't like drawing attention to my inadequacies as an artist.
It's funny I tend to feel this way because I am not one of those people who can't make anything. In fact, I am very crafty. Most of the wall hangings in my home are things that I've created. The difference is, I guess, that I've made these things my own way, on my own time. There's been no one to look over my shoulder and critique my art or give me a bad grade.

Instead, I grade my own work and judge whether or not it's worthy to adorn my wall. That makes me happy. I love beautifying my home and improving myself in the process.

I painted this picture recently. It's mediocre, in my opinion, but I put it on my wall anyway. Why? Because I kinda like it, actually. I've always wanted to be a painter and although I know I'll never be a Monet, I am trying.

And so, even though my art teacher never gave me an "A", I'm giving one to myself. An "A" for effort and a "+" for taking the time to do something for myself and beautifying my home at the same time.

To me that's what beauty really is.