My daughter Tahnee was asked to draw a symbol for each member of the family. As she shared with me what she drew for each member, it gave me an insight into her heart. I became aware of how she perceived each one and it helped me understand her better. For instance, she drew a make-up kit for her younger sister, Kaila, because she remembers the bonding time she has with her when they do makeovers. After overhearing this though, Kaila interrupts and says, "Why didn't you draw Icicle (that's her favorite stuffed penguin playmate)?"
Through her symbols, I gathered how involved or detached she may be from the respective worlds of her siblings. It helps direct also my prayers for her and her family relationships. Consuquently, the reactions of family members also allow me to understand them as well and how they want to be peceived by others.
So what did she use to symbolize me? A little tense, I asked. And her response warmed my heart. "I drew an ear, Mom." Though I knew what she wanted to say, I did not want to assume so I asked what it meant. And when she confirmed what I really wanted to hear, "Because you listen, Mom," I felt rewarded considering how she used to resent the "distracted attention" I would give her in the past.
Think it would be a pretty good exercise to bond with family? Try it and I would like to know how it turns out.
