Talents Unlimited

Yesterday afternoon I attended a reception sponsored by the Mexican Consulate at Salt Lake City's historic City County Building. The purpose of the reception was to kickoff the 12th annual "Este Es Mi México" (This is my Mexico) art contest conducted by the Mexican Department of Foreign Affairs.

The walls of the first floor of the building are now decorated with the framed artwork of some of the almost 6000 Mexican children between 7 and 11 years old now living all over the world who participated in the 2007 contest. In their drawings the children expressed what Mexico means to them--its history, culture, landscapes, people, and holidays. I have visited a variety of art galleries and art shows in my life, but none touched my heart like this one. There is no doubt that some of these children have artistic talent, but it wasn't that that moved me. There is something about children's uninhibited artwork which captures the heart.

It wasn't only the children's artwork that made this reception such a delightful experience. The recently formed Mariachi band from Northwest Middle School provided the entertainment. Not only was the talent of these young people impressive, but this band had special meaning for me.

Last year I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Javier Saenz who had a dream to start a Mariachi Band in a school with a high Hispanic population. It touched my heart so much to see that his dream had become a reality. Many young people will reap the benefits from his perseverance to realize that dream.

Both the artwork and the Mariachi Band are strong reminders that when our desires are to bless the lives of children, rather than to promote some personal vain ambition, nothing is impossible.