CANVAS OF LIFE

by Danna Shirley

The following short story was submitted in the Creative Writing Class at Bartlett Senior Center, Bartlett, TN. The assignment was to use the random words below (or any form thereof) and write something interesting. 

help ~ blank ~ cheerful ~ family ~ Whippoorwill ~ fantastic
procrastination ~ cesspool ~ joyful

The new year has arrived and as I ponder the areas in my life (faith, family, and friends), I desire to put the cesspool of stress and anxiety behind me and seek out a cheerful attitude and a joyful result for 2011.  No more procrastination!  My future is a blank canvas and with God’s help I will paint a new work in my life using His fantastic array of colors . . . 

Caring and Compassion is a cool azure and turquoise spraying across the sky

Creativity is a splash of red rose and scarlet in my garden

Dependability and Discipline is a strong tree of taupe and greens

Faith and Forgiveness are sweet spring yellows and gold flowers

A heart of Gratitude and Thanksgiving bursts out with plums and violet

Hope and a bright Future is a brilliant magenta

Justice sprinkled with Mercy are laid down in royal purple

Humor breaks forth with lavender and lilac mirth

Love and Kindness are welcome pinks and pastels

Patience and Silence are subtle oranges and amber

Wisdom is a copper tan Whippoorwill fluttering into view.

Lord, when I come to the end of myself, please let me 
be complete as one of Your beautiful works of art.