2020 Vision - My Twenty Truths as an Author, Artist, Educator & Human Being
By Jayme H. Mansfield @JaymeMansfield
Despite the multitude of reading glasses laying around my house — strategically positioned to help me enjoy morning devotionals, decipher recipes (admittedly, box top instructions), tackle emails and texts, write lesson plans, and focus on manuscripts and paintings — there are truths for me that have 2020 vision — no glasses necessary.
Truth vs. Opinion
Shortly before Winter Break began at the school where I teach elementary art, I asked the kids to write a list of their personal truths … not opinions. To help discern the difference between the two concept nouns, a discussion ensued—quite lively and thought-provoking. After all, is it true that, “Dogs are better pets than cats” and “Mrs. Mansfield is the best art teacher ever”? Admittedly, I was tempted to skew the accuracy of the definitions in my favor, but I stayed true to my educational calling and instead, made a mental note to assign that particular student an A+ on the next project.
But Truly, the Exercise Got Me Thinking … What Are My Truths?
What are the truths that bind me at my core? Which ones knock on my heart, soul, mind, and body each morning and call me into a new day? What are the truths that are, or are not, shared by others, and that’s okay? Which truths make me alive … and are there truths for which I would die? Yes. So that’s where I’ll begin.
The List
Jesus is my Lord and Savior.
God is good … always and forever.
Prayer is real.
The Bible is Truth.
I am blessed.
I love America.
I love and care deeply for my family despite all our shortcomings (and they love me too!).
Forgiveness and reconciliation are hard, but better than the alternatives.
My friends are treasured and appreciated even when our time and space is distant.
The need to continually create is real — it’s contagious and incurable.
Painting brings me joy and playing with color sends me over the moon.
Writing takes me into a “zone” in which I have never experienced before.
Writing books ranks up there with the hardest things I’ve done (next to childbirth).
Teaching and cheering others on in their creative pursuits energizes me and I consider it a privilege.
Once a teacher, always a teacher (in some form and manner).
I thought I was an extrovert … wondered if I’ve become an introvert, and now declare to be a midovert (hey, my new trending word for 2020).
My body is getting older, but my mind got hung up somewhere decades ago.
I love dogs … and Bella and Millie are spoiled rotten.
I can’t imagine ever stopping to strive, thrive, and dive into all life has to offer, and sharing the ride with others makes it much more fun.
Sharing this list makes me feel naked … but truly, I am wearing clothes!
So, how about you?
What are your 2020 Vision Truths? Do any of mine resonate with you? Share below if you don’t mind feeling a little cool air on your backside!
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Visit www.jaymehmansfield.com for books, art, and creative inspiration.