Don’t Think About a Pink Elephant

Not long ago, I used my camera phone to videotape my grandson drawing one of his beloved trucks in addition to taking a picture of it. I felt like it’d be good to have evidence of our three year old Picasso at work to document his age with the artwork. Seriously, he’s that good. Grant creates on one of those drawing toys that look like an Etch-n-Sketch, only it comes with an attached pencil rather than little wheels. May I add here that I feel this is a huge improvement over that red toy of my childhood? Sorry Etch-n-Sketch but I never did appreciate having to draw in one continuous line. And yet, that’s often how Grant creates. He’ll draw a truck with incredible detail without lifting his pencil. I don’t know a thing about art but I am southern and therefore fond of signs so I’m pretty sure that’s a sign of something.

Grant is quite a perfectionist about his art. He’ll start over in a heartbeat if his drawing isn’t progressing to suit him. However, because he is three, Grant employs a curious style to delete his work. Instead of bothering with the affixed slider that’s supposed to erase the board, Grant beats on the drawing with his little hand to get an image to go away.

Watching Grant slam on his drawing to erase his efforts reminds me of big people, big God believing people. Many times we’ll try to banish our ugly thoughts, bad memories, and nagging worries through the sheer force of our own wills, which is very much like trying not to think about a pink elephant. You may as well admit that your mind just produced a pachyderm. We’ll all benefit from another confession, too. You and I can’t hammer our thoughts away the way Grant bangs on his drawing toy. But, praise the name of Jesus, countering them with truth from God’s word will drain their power and renew our strength. Somebody needs to say, “Amen!”

Hugs,
Shellie