hen our pastor asked me to help the Youth with a Sunday School mural, my first reaction was "This would be a good way to use my artistic talent to serve the Lord."  What never occurred to me was how much of a blessing I would receive from this project.

I wanted to start by establishing a relationship with the Youth.  I already knew the kids by name but I wanted them to know me and how I go about my art work.  Before we started I invited each one to come and watch me working on another mural.  They came often and checked on my progress watching the mural change from rough sketch into a refined painting as details were added.  I hoped this would help them understand the process of painting a mural and give them a sense of confidence in my ability to help them.  When we started work on the Sunday School mural, they were ready to jump in with both feet or should I say "both hands".

Hurtsboro, Alabama youth painting mural The Creation Story

The theme was the creation story and we combined all their ideas into an interesting composition.  Each young person was assigned a specific work area on the wall.  I had them sketch out the mural with chalk, explaining it was a very forgiving medium because mistakes could easily be erased.  When we brought out the paint I told them they needed to trust in my ability to guide them and listen to my instructions.  They had to understand that it was not necessary to depend on their own ability.  Besides, any mistakes, slips or drips could be covered over.

I showed them how to mix colors and suggested different brushes for specific effects.  They followed instructions carefully and worked together as their work areas overlapped. reaching behind and in front of each other, painting on ladders, under ladder, on their knees and on tip toes.  The person with the most humble attitude about his artistic ability was selected to paint Adam and Eve.  He had to be assured that I would be right there guiding him the whole way before he would accept the task.  He  asked advice for every detail and did a great job.

By the time we had finished, our relationships had gone from acquaintances to friends.  The kids, along with everybody else in the church were amazed a what the Youth had done.  I reminded them that with God, nothing is impossible and we were exhilarated by what He had accomplished through us.

The Creation Story Mural painted by Junior High Sunday School Class, Hurtsboro United Methodist Church, under the direction of Cheryl Mann Hardin

The Youth surprised me with a banner they made with their "hand prints" all over it that read, "You used our hands to create works of art."  As I thought about this project,  I realized what a blessing it had been for me.  Through the mural project God had given me a beautiful picture of how He works in our lives.  He starts out wanting a relationship with us.  He knows us by name but wants us to know Him personally and how He works.  When we see Him at work our confidence in Him is strengthened.  He invites us to join Him in His plan for our lives and once we begin to trust Him, He can use us to accomplish His purpose.

We may start out as rough sketches, but as we follow His guidance, we become refined.  When we make mistakes and ask for forgiveness, the blood of Jesus Christ will "erase" them and give us a clean slate.  But most of all, the mural project showed me that when we trust God to direct every detail of our lives, He can use us in wonderful ways for His Glory and we will be blessed in the process.

Cheryl Mann Hardin
Hurtsboro, Alabama
December, 2000