Worth in the Wait

Hi, I’m Noa, a girl who’s thoughts come easier through paint and paper. 

The soft lines and open book just feel, safer. 

Most of my free time is spent in my head

My parents often wish I’d say more to them instead. 

Connection is what I want, but in a different kind of way 

I want something deeper, than words could ever say

When my ideas and emotions seem too big for others,

I like to color them on paper or… hide under my covers. 

All my tears, hopes, and all my wonders

They might turn into magnificent rainbows or monstruous thunders.

The more I create, the more I feel alive. 

But still, I feel a sadness, an empty hole inside. 

I want to share my art with the world, my family and friends. 

I think if they see it, we’ll understand each other better in the end. 

My paintings are a bridge I hope they will cross, 

To discover a part of me that often feels lost. 

So I’ve made up my mind, it is time to let the world see my art

Even though I feel nervous, I am excited to open my heart!

I show my parents. They look confused and their words seem hard to find

Finally dad says gently, “Honey, is that the best use of your time?”

Discouraged but determined, I decide to bring my art to school.

After a moment, Sophie says “Nice! Now can I show you something more cool?”

Sophie dug into her bag and pulled out her newest coloring book

I fought back tears, unpleasantly surprised by the strength it took. 

I couldn’t help but wonder why nobody seemed to care

It made me want to hide my art, but I didn’t know where. 

I guess I’ll just throw it away on garbage day. 

Or maybe I’ll try showing it to my sister and see what she’ll say. 

I brought it upstairs to my sister, who is a bit older than me,  

“Want to see my art, sissy?” Jess said, “Sure, I’m free!”

Looking at it closely, she smiled. “It’s cool. Tell me more.”

My eyes brightened,  “Okay! Nobody’s asked me that before!”

As I started to explain what each painting meant, 

I realized it was all worth it, all the time I spent. 

I remembered, the art wasn’t just for other people to see

It was for myself too, I was being who God made me to be. 

Yes, every stroke I brushed was a way to know myself better

It was God saying hey, we’re in this together. 

I felt joy fill the empty hole inside of me,

Thinking wow, my creator creates side by side with me. 

So I kept on making and found different ways to display, 

The way God was walking with me, day by day.

Although I hope one day someone sees my art and can relate

I thank God for the lessons he’s teaching me in the wait.

One day, a new neighbor stopped by, 

She asked me about my art and almost began to cry. 

Surprised, I couldn’t help but ask why

She said she lost her grandma, too, when she was five. 

Joy had filled the empty hole inside of me

But now I was feeling something else flowing out of me. 

Thankful, that I decided I’m going to continue to make. 

Thankful for God showing me there is worth in the wait.