The Unexpected Canvas of Blessings

By Eduardo, Friend of Con-solatio

This year’s Con-Solatio Christmas party wasn’t the first I’d attended, and I certainly hope it won’t be the last. The afternoon began in an ample basement filled with festive adornments. Sofas, lounge chairs, and other seats surrounded a cute makeshift stage; there would be a talent show.

I wasn’t sure I wanted to participate but one of the Con-Solatio members encouraged me before the party. I agreed to consider it but remained hesitant. Then, a friend also attending the party made this proposal to me: she would sign up to participate if I did. So, I did.

I was to draw a quick portrait of someone in front of the audience. I was provided with a big brown paper and some charcoal sticks. I stood before everyone, nervous, and asked for someone to sit for the portrait. Without a beat, Jonathan, a longtime friend of the community volunteered with great enthusiasm. He sat down before me and I began. The room fell relatively silent for a party. The murmur of whispers could be heard under the sound of my working away. Jonathan’s distinct and expressive features began to appear on the page. He is a man who’s been through a lot in life and I wonder today how much of that came through in the picture. Towards the end he began to giggle and to interact with the audience. The time to wrap up was approaching, so I finished up, turned it around, and showed him.

His expression completely transformed! He expressed a childlike excitement that was palpable across the room. He rejoiced and walked around while holding his portrait, showing everyone. I was caught off guard by the impact the drawing had on him and that it, as well as his reaction, had on everyone around him.

Looking back on this day I realize that the moments I get to participate in Con-Solatio’s ministry of presence are those in which I least expect it, including those in which I am hesitant to act. This event was a reminder of all the great things God has done in my life and this day can be counted among them. I am deeply grateful to Con-Solatio for including me in their world.