Parenting - Understanding Abstract Art

A friend and I visited a local bookstore recently to check out an art exhibit featuring work of an artist from our community. When we saw the art was abstract, we both had to admit we didn't "get it." Since both of us consider ourselves to be rather well-educated (we were fighting a very strong urge to look at the books rather than the art), we did make an attempt to explain what we appreciated about the pieces on display. The colors in some were of particular appeal, we could discern shapes and design, we noticed that framing mattered, and, of course, the price tag attached to each painting assured us that these were valuable works of art! But, in the end, we acknowledged the gift of the artist along with our own lack of understanding - and then succumbed to our love of the written word!

Our experience with abstract art became a metaphor for me. How often do we look at people and fail to recognize their purpose or their value? We see colors and shapes; we even notice their "frame," but we just don't see how they fit. Sometimes those folks are living in our own homes. Do you ever wonder who that teenager requesting funds is? He can't be your kid! Your son wears pants that fit and a belt to hold them up! Your daughter wouldn't turn her beautiful blonde hair that color! What may be even more disconcerting is when we look in the mirror and wonder who exactly we are or of what possible value we hold.

Yet, here's the truth - had my friend and I been with the artist, she could have explained her work, she would have told us the intricacies of shape and color and design and the deliberation that determined the framing. She could have told us the great investment she made to create each unique piece. We may not have become fans, but we would have understood.

Just as we needed the artist, or someone equally well-versed in abstract art, to teach us and guide us, each of us needs the Master Artist to open our understanding of his greatest works of art - his children.

Psalms 119:73a says, "Your hands made me and formed me," and in Isaiah 64:8, we are clay, and God is the potter, "...we are all the work of your hand." God has created us with such intricate design that while we may look abstract to others and to ourselves, we are a perfect work of art with a unique purpose.

The art my friend and I saw had value; some had been sold. Someone had seen the painting and decided it was perfect for a particular purpose. We too come with a price - the perfect, sinless life of Jesus Christ whose death on the cross redeemed us. His death and resurrection purchased us to fill a spot that only we can fill. It's the thing for which we have been created.

As we seek to understand the "works of art" we and others are, we must walk and talk with the Artist. II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that God's word is provided for us to equip us for good work. We are "...his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.... (Ephesians 2:10)." And, we are works in progress; God continues to put the "finishing touches" on His masterpieces: "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.(Philippians 1:6)"

Each day ask God to give you an "eye for art," so that you can see His unique design and purpose for your life, the lives of your children, and those of people around you.

Heavenly Father, we don't always see nor are we able to appreciate the beauty of Your most loved creation. Help us to know who we are in You, and help us to value others as the unique works of art You have created.

Please help us to guide our children in learning that they are precious in your sight and that You have made them to be one of a kind to serve You as only they can.

Thank you for loving us so much. Help us to love You without reservation. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Parenting - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

One of my favorite places to visit is the zoo. God's creative genius is apparent at every turn, serving to remind us that no two of His creatures are the same, and that includes each of us, His prized creation.

Psalm 139 proclaims that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made...intricately wrought," and that God knew our entire days before we were born and prepared them for us. In other words, God divinely designed each of us for a purpose that only we are commissioned to fulfill. He mapped out our entire lives so that each day serves to develop in us the strengths and talents He gave us that will enable us to serve our purpose.

Imagine being one of a kind, priceless, irreplaceable, precious. That's who we are in God's eyes. He values us and wants to help us develop the talents and strengths woven into our beings; He provides all we need to become our unique selves, fulfilling our God-appointed mission. Our part is to believe that we are made in His image, that He has assigned us a divine purpose, and that He will use all the days of our lives to perfect those strengths and talents in us, guiding us to use them according to His plan.

If you struggle believing that you are precious to God, begin to study His word. Ask Him to speak to your heart and to show you who you are in Him. Pray for God to reveal to you each day your God-given strengths and talents and purpose. Pray for the ability to really see how God uses you. Rely on Him, and acknowledge that God doesn't make mistakes, and He doesn't make junk! He loves YOU.

As we begin to live in this truth, we will be better equipped to teach and reinforce in our children that they too are one of a kind, lovingly designed by God as someone special.

Psalm 139 - recited by Michael W. Smith

Thank you, Lord, for giving each of us unique qualities and a purpose that only we can fulfill with Your help. Thank you for your love for us and your patience as we learn to become who You have designed us to be.

Please encourage our hearts and strengthen us to serve You according to Your plan. We choose to honor You with our lives.

Help us as we teach our children to be who You want them to be. In Your name we pray, Amen.