I was in middle school art class when it became clear to me that I did not have much artistic ability. The assignment was to paint a picture of a swan. I have no idea why this memory remains with me all these years later, but I remember that my swan looked more like the ugly duckling. I got a poor grade on the assignment but I was okay with my lack of artistic talent. I had no aspirations to become an artist.
i’ve never outgrown that pleasure of seeing colors
Despite this, as a child, I spent a lot of time coloring. I’ve never outgrown that simple pleasure of seeing colors. (I don’t have to draw anything, so I’m good! I’ve graduated from crayons to markers.) I recently sat on my back porch watching the sunset and was moved by the beauty as the sun slowly sank below the horizon. It created an elegant display of pink, orange and purple across the sky. Now if you ask a scientist to explain what makes those beautiful colors, they will tell you that sunlight contains all the colors of the rainbow, but that they don’t all reach the ground in the same concentration. The time of day, the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the atmosphere and how far the colors must travel to reach our eyes all determine what colors we see.
god didn’t have to create the world; he chose to create it
That’s more science than I need to know, for sure. I prefer to think of it as God’s paintbrush gliding over the sky, creating a glorious masterpiece for me to enjoy. And so, I have begun to reflect on our Creator God and the power and majesty displayed in His creation. God meticulously fashioned the world and all that is in it according to His perfect design, His perfect plan. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”(Gen. 1:31aESV) This demonstrates His character, personality and purpose for mankind. God didn’t have to create the world; He chose to create it. His deepest desire is to fellowship with His creation. Each one of us has been formed in His image and fashioned with our own unique blend of colors (personality) and gifts to bring Him glory.
he deeply loves us just the way we are
We are God’s children; this is where we find our worth. There is no need to work to prove our value to anyone. It takes alot of energy to try to “fit in” or to be like everyone else. It doesn’t matter what kind of house we have or what clothes we wear. We are God’s children and He deeply loves us just the way we are, how He created us to be. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.” (1 John 3:1 ESV)
you are god’s masterpiece, a work of art
Do you know how much you are loved by God? How much He cares about the joys and the struggles in your life? Are you aware of how beautiful you are in God’s eyes? Don’t ever be concerned that you don’t measure up to the world’s standards. You are God’s masterpiece; a work of art, created by the Master. “I created you and have cared for you since you were born….I made you and I will care for you.”(Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT) When I get to heaven, maybe God will let me help paint the sunsets. I’m sure He would not give me a poor grade for my efforts!
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