Look Up

Over the weekend I attended an art show sponsored by the local veteran's hospital. It's in a beautiful and serene setting on a hill overlooking the entire valley. Deer and wild turkey roam the grounds. As you approach the buildings you have would have no idea that the men who live here are physically, and sometimes mentally, broken from their service to our country. The juxtaposition of the peaceful backdrop against the harsh reality inside is jarring. But some of the men in this building have found their way back to personal fulfillment and expression through art.

Several dedicated volunteers come faithfully every Monday to teach an art class to these men. For some, it has released them from depression. For some, it has given them a way to use their very limited physical abilities. And once a year, the veterans host an art show where awards are given out to every participant. Mom and I attended expecting to see their works of art; what we received were speech after speech of encouragement from these men to the audience to never give up and make the most of what you have. Honestly, I was in tears for most of the awards ceremony.

The youngest veteran artist was a woman who had served in Iraq. She arrived in a coma and her parents were told she would never wake up. Upon awakening, she was told she would never walk. Today, this young woman walked up to the podium to receive her awards. Oh sure, she needed a walker and had difficulty saying her words, but she was very, very clear on her message.

"Keep your head up," she said. "Don't look back and don't look down. Keep moving ahead. You can do it."

I bought a painting from a man who could only make brush strokes to the left and to the right. He grinned a mighty grin when I asked permission to buy his beautiful work. He didn't care about the money, it just tickled him that his painting gave me pleasure.

I left that place much richer than when I arrived. I received words of inspiration and a work of art from ordinary people with an extraordinary gift to live beyond their circumstances.

I lift my eyes to the hills ~ where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121)