Spirituality in Everyday Life

[Diane M. McKnight]

I have been very busy that last week trying to get everything done around my house before I take off to go out of town to Terre Haute, Indiana where the college that I am taking my Masters in Art Therapy degree is located. I have to go down there 4 days at the beginning of every semester and for a whole week in the beginning of July for residencies on campus. I noticed that when I am flying madly around here trying to get things done and out of the way before I go, that it is easy to loose site of God in the days. As hours and tasks whirl by at lightning speed, I find it hard to focus on anything of a Spiritual nature, let alone have time to actually listen to God. Today I paused and consciously sat still, prayed and asked God to make my life less stressful right now. When I went back to my tasks I found a renewed sense of energy and ease. I forget that "taking time out" from my schedule for God, is not REALLY taking "time out" of the time that I have to get my tasks completed. In reality is is "putting time in" by "taking time out". By feeling a sense of "centeredness and connection" with something that is bigger than "taking out the trash" or "packing my schoolbooks into my backpack" I really found that I could do more in the same amount of time AND without getting so anxious. I keep revisiting that lesson over and over again in my life...maybe someday it is going to stick! Life with God is definately more productive and pleasurable.

Diane

[Diane M. McKnight]

I did not know that this topic would be of interest to your group...well, I guess I did not really think that it wouldn't, it is art used in a way that I feel God is directing me to give back to others...I just did not think about a presentation. After I talk with Eric, if there appears that there might be interest other than you two, I would gladly do a presentation if we could find a monthly meeting that I could actually attend.

[Virginia Wieringa]

Sounds like this might have the potential for a presentation at one of our meetings. I'd love to hear more about it. Blessings on your work and travels.

[Diane M. McKnight]

Sounds good. I will look forward to it.

[Eric Nykamp]

Call me at Pine Rest when you get back. My number is 455-5000. Ask the operator to put you through to my office. :)

[Diane M. McKnight]

We could chat about art therapy anytime you like. I do remember now that you are a social worker at Pine Rest. That is great that you do an art group there, I am sure it is doing them a lot of good. I just finished my MSW degree in June of last year, I have my LLMSW and I am in my second year of a post graduate Master's in Art Therapy Program so in the end I will be a registered art therapist. I would LOVE to talk with someone that actually would enjoy it...most of my friends are probably so sick of my passion for art therapy which has been going on for longer than I have been in either Master's Programs...I read books on it even in my spare time...like I am obsessed. Really I just know that it is my calling and God has shown me that in many ways. So let me know when you would like to chat either phone, or in person. I am back home on Monday, August 4th from my residency.

[Eric Nykamp]

I will pray for you that you get a sense of God's peace as you prepare for this. I did not know you are studying to be an art therapist. I am fascinated by art therapy and run a group at Pine Rest every week on my unit. Would love to talk with you sometime about this.

Eric