This past Saturday I had the opportunity to participate in a yearly Women’s Conference hosted by my Church. It is done by our Stake, which is made up of 8 different wards, so there were a lot of women who participated. We had a large devotional with all the women together, then had a wonderful lunch provided by some of the men from the stake, so the women didn’t have to worry about cooking. We then split up into a couple of sessions of classes (I think 6 classes to choose from), and ended with a brief sing along to wrap up the afternoon.

I had the opportunity to host an art class during each of the afternoon sessions. We did some simple line drawings of Jesus, then decorated them with flowers or borders of some sort, and then painted with watercolor. I love sharing something I love – painting and art in general – with others who are so excited to come and learn.

I find it interesting the different types of responses that I get when I teach these classes. Some don’t come because they are afraid whatever they produce won’t be good enough. Others come in apologizing for their lack of artistic talent but still ready to learn, while some come in so excited to learn and try something new. I know I have been in each one of those people’s shoes depending on the activity.

But, as they leave, they leave with something they created, that is beautiful. It may not be exactly what they were hoping for or envisioned, but they created it, and most of them loved what they created. They leave with a little more knowledge than they came with, and they leave with confidence to try new things. I am so grateful for those who came, and so sorry we didn’t have room enough for everyone who who wanted to paint and didn’t get to because of the space constraints.

I don’t always attend Women’s Conference. This year I wouldn’t have been there had I not been teaching a class because my sons were at a rock climbing competition in Fairbanks. But, Heavenly Father must have known I needed to be there, because I left not only physically fed, but spiritually fed and uplifted as well. It was just what I needed, and I didn’t even realize it until I had gone. Not only were the speakers at the large devotional inspired in their words, but the opportunity to visit with and “hang out” with all those sisters for several hours was rejuvenating.

Over the years I have heard that women need other women. I am a pretty solitary person and I don’t enjoy crowds super often. I really enjoy being at home or wherever my family might be. But the older I get, the older my kids get, and the less they need me, I am finally understanding that yes, sometimes I do need other women to be around. This was just what I needed and I am grateful to all the behind the scenes women who made it all happen. Here is the picture I painted as a reference for the activity, but every picture was different and uniquely beautiful.