My Creativity Blog

Isaac is proud of his body art.

In a household of seven, there are seldom quiet moments, but today we had a moment that was too quiet.  If you are a parent, you know what I mean about too quiet.

Isaac, my two-year old son, found a permanent marker and decided that his skin was the perfect canvas.  I can see him in my mind gleefully making strokes on his face.  I can see him drawing cool designs on his stomach and on his arm.  I think he must have been having a great time.

Whether or not I like his artistry, he was being creative.  I admire his lack of inhibition.  He not only liked his “masterpiece;” he radiated with pride.  Because of his attitude, it was hard to scold him for decorating his skin with permanent marker.  I did not want to crush his creative spirit.  So I pretty much just let it go.

As a creative person, I long to be as uninhibited as Isaac.  He did not decorate himself for me or anyone else.  Isaac was not worried about what anyone thought about his work.  He loved it and was proud of it.  He was pleasing himself and that was all that mattered to him.

Who could scold this face?

I think all of us can learn something from Isaac.  So, do something just for yourself today.  It can be as simple as buying a new color of nail polish.  Or as simple as throwing a new spice into an old recipe tonight at dinner.  Or try a different setting on your camera.  Don’t be afraid to try something new.  You won’t know if it works unless you try.  In other words, be like Ike.

Back at our house, the markers have been moved to a higher shelf.  I reminded him where the pencils and paper are in the hutch.  Regardless, Isaac is happy with his body art.  And, I am happy that we have no family portraits scheduled any time soon.