A Glimpse of Purpose

I have been thinking a lot about my purpose - yes, my purpose in life, my purpose as a person, my purpose as a mother, daughter, wife and friend, and the purpose of my art.  Yesterday, after talking with a dear friend the clouds started to part ... Alexandra's Event was very successful and everyone had a great time.  This was a group of people that for the most part had never heard of or done any art journaling.  I got this email from a mom who had brought her two young daughters with her 12 and 14 ( the family has been through so much losing their son to cancer 2 yrs ago and the 14 yr old has struggled with leukemia and yet once again they are amazing positive luminous souls) this is what she wrote ...

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you again
what a wonderful time we had yesterday. *** & ***
came right home and started in working on their
books.   I had to MAKE them put them away around 9
and get ready for bed.  *** came home from school
today and started in again.

This made me feel so good that I could make a small difference in someone's day by sharing what I have learned.

Then I had a lunch meeting yesterday with the director of the Free Arts for Abused children program which I am a part of.  Their Mission Statement which I love...

MISSION STATEMENT

                     

Free Arts sparks the creative spirit                         of abused, homeless and at-risk children and their families                         to inspire and transform their lives through the power                         of artistic expression. Free Arts plants the seeds of                         hope and healing to help children build self-esteem, improve                         social skills, develop trust with caring adults and express                         emotions in a positive way. The philosophy behind all                         Free Arts programs is simply that “Art Heals!”                         

She asked me to help coordinate a project with other artists on art journaling and a finished mixed media piece for a gallery show in Sept. that will celebrate their 30 yr Anniversary. 

I realized as I talked to my friend - the same friend that I had wept too almost a year ago about not feeling that I had any purpose - that I feel I know or am starting to know what I am to do with this life and with the talents I have been given - it is a glimpse and one that I am willing to look at and embrace.

Comments

[nina]

gina, i can't begin to say how very proud i am of you....i'm so glad that everyone came forth and helped to make alexandra's event a success, and that now you'll be going a step farther with the free arts work. please, please let me know what i can do to contribute. sending love -

[shelley davis]

Oh dear Gina,
I only just found your blog. I read so much of it with interest. I found myself a few years ago asking myself all of the things that you find yourself asking. My purpose? GOD please just let me know....I will gladly serve. Use me up until I am dry.
5 years have passed. At 50 finally I see why my love of children was given to me. It is a gift. I now serve on the board of FORO "Friends of Russian Orphans". We are a missions group dedicated to serving 13 orpahanages and their needs. The work has been endless, and will continue. (Use me up LORD). During this 5 year period we became foster parents. This year we adopted our two one year old foster babies that we have had since birth. They are our 6 &7th children. If you ask, HE will answer, if you knock the door will be open.
In the end serving children is the greatest gift we give to ourselves. They are helpless.
GOD bless you and your work. I too think you are finding yourself.

Shelley

P.S. If you have an interest...check out our website: www.fororphan.org the site will be updated later this month.

[Ashley]

Oh Gina, that is amazing! I know it's hard to figure out where some of us fit into this life, and I am so glad you found yours. I only wish I knew... It sounds like a wonderful opportunity to work with the children and your art. Best of luck!

[Linda]

Gina....since e-meeting :)you a few months ago and being touched by you and your message through your blog and your art you have been an inspiration to me in my search for my purpose. Thank you for being such a blessing to me and so many people!

Linda

[Amy]

This is wonderful! I am in the midst of reevaluating and re prioitizing right now myself. It is such a blessing to know when your energies are being pointed in th right direction. Hug!