Nothing More Truly Artistic

I recently stated dabbling in a little bit of drawing and painting. My inspiration was a trip to Barnes and Noble and an in-store read of Anyone Can Draw. I've never had a great affinity for art but I do desire to take my elementary understanding and develop it. Much of my skills came from my elementary years with Mr. Beranek in the "art house" just out the lunchroom doors.

As a result of this new endeavor, I've started to see the complexity and form of objects around me. My eyes take in figures, textures, and dimensions and it has been a challenge to portray what my eye sees or what has been inspired in my heart.

There is something really special about an artist's creation. I remember in Mr. Beranek's class, everyone looked at the same thing, but how each person portrayed that object was different. It each artist's point of view in how he sees the world; his interpretation of beauty. I marvel knowing that we too are the masterpiece of our heavenly Father. He saw fit to form every detail, nuance, and quirk of each individual. From the seascape to the geckos in our front yard, the world is full of things that leave us in awe.

"I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people" - Vincent Van Gogh

I can see how, from the beginning, God was creating a tapestry of love. From the time of Abraham and his Son of Promise, to the birth of Jesus, our Son of Promise. This new outlook gives me a new appreciation and excitement when I read the bible. God has spoken with great intention and purpose to unfold beautiful picture of God's love for His people. Yet we still can not begin to understand the depth, height and breadth of this love. 

Truly loving another person is a struggle at times-- at times it means to let go, let the artworks shape take form as the person grows and understands love at it's purest form. Love goes beyond what is nessecary and takes it to a whole new level of self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and honor. Just as our example of art is in our creator, our example of love is found in our Savior Jesus. 

Discipleship is walking in His example of love and inviting/teaching others to do the same.

But the Lord GOD will help me

Our family is in "the land in-between", with our eyes set on Bulgaria and leaving the land we've come to make our home. This season of life has been one of the most difficult for me. Often I feel as if I am wandering around aimlessly, looking for something familiar, a shred of comfort for my weary soul. Understanding the Lord's provision in my life has been a difficult and painful process because of the idols that scream for my attention. I sympathize with how the Israelites looked back fondly on their captivity in Egypt. That land was familiar and they knew their basic needs would be taken care of. Yet, after they stumbled a few times, they clung to God who promised them something better. He was going to give them a land of freedom, but He needed to take them through "the land in-between" to show them that their provision did not come from their productivity, their money, or their striving. God would fight for them, they need only believe.

As painful and unknown as it is, I praise God for "the land in-between." I can rely on God to meet all my needs and the idols are destroyed in His answers to our daily prayers.

I've clung to this verse and the beautiful truths there-in;
But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. (Isaiah 50:7)

Waking up, sleep deprived with Lily--"But the Lord GOD helps me."
Desiring and seeking the truth in the midst of cultural Christianity--"I will not be disgraced."
I remember the goodness I've tasted of God--"therefore I have set my face like a flint."
We will go by faith to take the next step--"and I know that I shall not be put to shame."

Cling close to God my friends. In every season.