In a drawing class years ago, I met a student from another university who had joined the course as an elective.

“I’m an Accounting major, but I thought I’d take a break and dabble around in drawing this semester.”

I replied, “What a coincidence! I’m an art major, but I thought I’d take a break and dabble around in Accounting this semester.”

* * *

At the time, ego determined my sarcastic mental response. “I take this seriously. Who are you to enter into my practice in such a casual and condescending way?”

Since then, my perspective has shifted. I embrace dabbling. Thrashing. Testing.

One person’s vocation is another person’s hobby. One person’s profession is another person’s weekend diversion.

Faced with a similar situation today, I’d reply, “That’s great! I can’t wait to see how your Accounting perspective influences the way you approach drawing.”

And I’d mean it, too.