drawing

Two years ago I attended a retreat that would have been dismally disappointing had it not been for two things: (1) a close friendship that came out of that retreat and (2) a breakout session on visual prayer.

"I can teach anyone to draw," my new friend, Gina (pronounced "Jenna"), told me. We sat at T.G.I.F.'s one evening during a writer's conference.

"Obviously you haven't seen my attempts at stick figures." I drew one in the condensation on my glass for emphasis.

She took a napkin and her glass and proceeded to explain her process.

I've been trying it out. My sketches may not be masterpieces, but they're identifiable. And they've provided a new way to be creative, to pray, and to work through life.