A Work of Art

I just got back from an amazing "Art" weekend. Three of my girlfriends and I went to my Aunt & Uncle's home. My Aunt Linda is a wonderful interior decorator/artist. She was gracious enough to let us come and agreed to teach us several techniques on how to paint. I have to tell you that I have never painted anything before in my life, except a paint-by-number kit when I was a child (and I couldn't even do that well). In my mind, I was just allowing this opportunity for my friends who are much more creative and talented than I am. I was just going along for the ride...

We started painting after dinner on Friday night, and we stayed up until 2 a.m. - we got up Saturday morning, painted some more...went to lunch and browsed around the cutest little town filled with antiques, then home for more art lessons. We painted Saturday night until 2:00 a.m. again. I'm exhausted...but I had a blast!

We talked, we laughed, we ate, and we learned a lot about art. I was really touched by Linda's ability not only to teach us the techniques, but to make it so much fun. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and her generous heart to give her time, energy, supplies, and knowledge, was an inspiration.

Because she was such an excellent teacher, I was able to complete several art projects that were not half bad considering my lack of skill. I would dare to even be impressed if I wasn't comparing them to my friends work.







On one particular project we painted a landscape using pastels. I was standing next to Linda and whatever she did, I copied. If she used a certain color blue, so did I. If she took her finger and blended the colors, I did the same thing. It was my best piece of art from the whole weekend, yet strangely enough it was quite different from her piece. In fact, each one of us were doing the same landscape, hearing the exact same instructions, using the same tools, and yet all of our pictures came out with our own unique interpretation.

I think this is a perfect example of how Christians must look as we attempt to follow our Teacher(Jesus). We have the same tools (the Bible, the Church and their gifts, and of course, the Holy Spirit). Yet, each one of us represents a beautiful and unique picture of what Christ is like. We shouldn't be comparing ourselves, as we were not meant to all look the same. I am a masterpiece...and so are you!

I also learned to try new things. I would have missed out on a wonderful experience if I'd only observed and not taken part in the art projects. I didn't think I could do anything like that. It just goes to show you the importance of a good teacher. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is our "Counselor" and that He will lead and guide us in all things. Truly knowing that will allow us to step out of comfort zone and do things we never thought were possible.



Let's all listen closely to our Teacher this week and see what amazing things He will enable us to accomplish.