Friday, January 6, 2012

Artist to painter

. . . whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 NAS

I have an artist friend whose specialty is large expanses of earth and sky that draw you into the landscape. He is so blessed with talent that the strokes of his brush leave behind the scent of ocean waves at sunrise or the mossy dampness of a lush green forest as you stand admiring his large canvases.

One day I watched as he painted the deck outside. His grip on the brush was still that of an artist. Each brushstroke was carefully placed, smoothing and perfecting the wooden surface as he went. He did not paint in a hurry to get the job done. Instead, he worked with the care of an artist giving his best to the task that was before him. It didn’t matter that this work would not hang in a gallery beside his other paintings. The attention to detail was the same.

I thought of Jesus working as a carpenter, patiently shaping the wood—sawdust sprinkling his toes—yet knowing that He had a much greater purpose to fill. But for that point in time he was content, dedicating His best to the task that was before Him.

Nurse, wife, mother, writer, nanny, friend, disciple of Christ—I hope and pray that as I go about this daily journey I will give my very best in all I do, no matter how insignificant it may appear. I want to strive to accomplish everything so that others see, not me, but Christ in me and God will be given all of the glory.

Father, Help us to embrace each task as if we were doing it especially for You. Amen.

© 2011 Bonnie Mae Evans

1 comment:

Evelyn R. said...

Bonnie, this is so beautiful and so true. God did give the perfect Gift. No one can out-give God. E. Bonnie