Face Painting; A lesson learned

Sometimes you can have a really hard day for a variety of reasons. This particular day, I was struggling with the cough that is a result of my asthma. Every time I wanted to get up and accomplish something…my coughing would send me back to the couch with a new cup of hot tea.

It was my day off and I had a list a mile long of things to do. Unfortunately I was only able to scratch a couple off that list and I was missing out on a very lovely day. So I gave in…. and tried to rest and sleep knowing that I had volunteered to work at the Elementary School Carnival at 6:00. 

I had volunteered to do face painting, which by the way…I had never done. I had only painted faces for me and my family for Halloween from time to time. Being the perfectionist that I am…in true form, I went to the internet and googled “face painting” and was delighted at the multitude of ideas. I began choosing the ones I felt were of my ability and sketched about twelve.

As the evening approached I gathered up my courage and strength, my sketches and with inhaler in hand… headed toward the school. When I got to my post…there was a hugh line of children waiting for a face painting and one artist at the helm. She was excited to see me as you can imagine. I was kind of scared knowing that this was all new for me.

I sat down and took in the process and supplies. I dug in my purse for the sketches and the other artist commented happily and with relief in her voice …about my being prepared. So we shared the sketches and  she directed me about adding shampoo to the paint so that the paint is easily removed at bath time. I took a deep breath and summoned up every ounce of bravery in my being.

I looked at the first child who had anxiously sat down in front of me and found the words coming out of my mouth, “what would you like me to paint?” After many “Batman”, kitty, and rainbow paintings… a few butterflies, leopard spots, dogs, and pirates… three hours had passed. I have no idea how many faces I had painted. 

In that three hour period of time…I had given of my talent to countless young children who were so appreciative and pleased with their decorations that it warmed my heart and eased my coughing to a minimum. The work was nonstop…but so was the rewards. Looking into each one of their faces, easing their nerves had eased any feeling of inadequacy or inexperience in me.

The picture taking and accolades from the parents was nonstop and it was nice being appreciated and serving others with such a simple gesture. I was the last one left painting as the sky grew too dark to see the colors of the paint. Even then I lingered,… painting yet another latecomer desiring the face decor. 

I gathered up my things and headed to my car with all the other people who had enjoyed the carnival. I had been so focused on my job that I had not taken in any of the other activities of the event. They were all deserted now and half dismantled. I passed children who were stuffed with popcorn and cotton candy. It was cool to see my artwork on their tired but happy faces. I vowed that this now experienced face painter…. would be back again next year.

I find myself amazed at life. I am always learning something from it. I had put smiles on children and their parents by such a simple act of kindness. Some of those children probably talked their parents into letting them retain their painting overnight. They will wake up on Saturday with the adornment a bit smudged but still in tact. It will put yet another smile on their face and maybe one on another…like a grandparent.

We will never really know the impact we have on others that we come in contact with in our daily lives. I only knew a few of the names of those cute little faces that I painted. I ask them about their grade and their teacher…but for the most part they were all strangers to me. But those strangers warmed my heart that night with their smiles and appreciation.

We must continue to act in kindness to others. Kindness is contagious. So when you receive kindness from someone…make sure you acknowledge them with a smile and a thank you. I believe that kindness can have a ripple affect across the world. Your act of kindness may cause a smile that is transferred to another state, country or continent. Your act of kindness may reach a hungry soul who had begun to believe that kindness had left this world long ago.

“When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. ” Lev. 19:33-34

“…do good and lend expecting nothing in return: and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.” Luke 6: 35

” And be kind to one another tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you”. Eph. 4:32

Blessing of kindness to you!

Kim