“Aslan”
I read this morning about being God’s masterpiece…. That is a huge thing to consider. I’ll admit that probably more days than not, I don’t feel or look much like a masterpiece. When I think of a masterpiece I think of something great like the Sistine Chapel or “The Cotton Exchange in New Orleans” by Degas. (Okay, I totally looked that one up), but maybe you understand where I’m coming from. I have in my mind that masterpiece is defined as something great but completed… done…. no additions, no subtractions…. just perfecto. No more touch ups by Michelangelo on the Sistine Chapel ceiling because it was perfect. Then others see it and ooh and aah about it’s greatness and it becomes something distinguished, something of value, something that others love or at least pretend to love because it is a “masterpiece”. Now, that’s how I picture a masterpiece.
When I read that, not feeling much like a masterpiece, I began thinking about what that meant. If I’m God’s masterpiece, what does that say about me really? Am I complete? I hope not. Am I distinguished? Not really. Do I need additions or subtractions in my life? Yep! (and my family and co-workers say a big “Amen”) Well then, if I am going by my definition then there is no way I am a masterpiece. So, feeling a little uneasy, I looked up the definition and I was surprised to find out that masterpiece is not defined by what others think nor about it being complete or perfect… Though many of the sources varied in a small way, most defined the word masterpiece as an outstanding work of art. So that raised another question…. outstanding to whom? Who decides if it is a masterpiece or a piece of junk? Hmmm, more to ponder…..
“In Memory Of Andy”
I have toyed with art for years and recently found that my Ipad is a great canvas. I have an app that is helpful for the mental block that storms in when I ask myself, “Okay, what should I draw?” It gives daily challenges and competitions that spark that idea machine to turn it’s wheels…. So, because of those little idea boosters, I have created some artwork that I would have probably never drawn otherwise…. like a caricature of a celebrity, someone “caught” or a 4th of July firework….. Though there is one thing that I’ve noticed in all of the challenges and competitions. I won’t or don’t enter my art into a either one if I am not satisfied with it. I have to feel that it is good enough…. my best….. my own personal masterpiece of sorts.
However, as are most, I am my worst critic. Once I’ve submitted my art, I find a dozen or hundreds or even more changes that I could have made to improve it…. It is my masterpiece but yet, I’m not truly finished with it and because of my eyes, as the creator of it, I probably never will be finished with it. There will always be something to change. And though I don’t know the story of Michelangelo’s painting, I wonder if he stood back while others “oohed” and “aahed” about his work and thought, “I should have added a bit more color to the clouds.” Possibly, however, would he have said, “Okay, I’m done”, if he wasn’t pleased or satisfied or even proud of his work… his creation? I’m thinking a strong no possibility…
Tiger Lily
So, I drew a lion that was featured by the app creator and I also created a baby dragon that I really liked but didn’t receive the accolades that the lion did. Both, to me, the artist, are each ones that I really like yet they are totally different. I can’t compare them because they are just not the same. Though one took hours and hours to complete and the other took less than an hour, they both can use some touch ups here and there…. but I was satisfied with them both and still am.
So, if through Christ, I am God’s masterpiece, as the artist, he doesn’t have to keep me the way I am. He can always make changes (or create in me desire to change) to help perfect me and still be totally pleased with who he has created….
I definitely needed that reminder today….. maybe you need it too…. You are his masterpiece…. his handiwork…. each of us different, each of us valued to the Artist…. and the Artist doesn’t care nor place our value by what others think….
What a great thing to soak in….
Ephesians 2:10
New Living Translation (NLT)
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
The artwork in this post is all original and created on my Ipad. 🙂
“Baby Dragon”
Feather Challenge
“Caught!”
My daughter received a really sweet gift from her teacher and a classmate before their Spring Break… the whole class did. It was a little basket and bag of Easter goodies. Just after my daughter showed it to me, she devoured everything…. chocolate first (just like her Mom), then she went for the other sweet things like Skittles, Starburst and all of those other fat-free candy. (Believe me, I know the way the whole sweets justification thing works… saying fat-free, regardless of the sugar content has some redeeming sounding value) .
I’m concerned that there may be a jelly bean bailout… Check out Wal-mart the day after Easter, see how many of those Reese’s eggs are left in comparison to the all of the jelly bean bags and you’ll see my concern.
The Prodygal Life 