TURNING A MESS INTO A THING OF BEAUTY

Yesterday, I stopped by my daughter’s house as she was getting ready to have “morning time” with the children which can consist of a variety of things. Today, they were reciting poetry, drawing and building with Legos while she read a chapter from THE TEMPLE, an historical fiction by G.A. Henty on the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

I asked a few questions to get a little more background, so I could picture the battle scenes in my mind while she read.

Meanwhile, one of my granddaughters was drawing a picture on a 3 x 5 card. After the reading (it was a long chapter, and I was proud of them for quietly working and listening while mommy read.)

Eve held up her picture which was a beautiful rainbow with clouds on each end, a grassy field and a large pink flower under the rainbow. I asked her to tell me about the picture.

She said it is beauty after the storm!

We both smiled. A few weeks ago, she and her cousin were at the house painting. Ishmael made a mistake but kept right on painting!! After finishing his picture, he said…something along the lines of God taking our messes and turning them into pictures of beauty.

What dawned on me was that this deep theological truth was not lost on the children!! They got it.

So here are just a few thoughts.

•    Going through a storm, conflict or made any messes?? Give it to the LORD. Lay it before Him and pray over it. Remember He is wisdom and gives understanding!!

“With God are wisdom and might, He has counsel and understanding.” Job 12:13

“But If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1;5

•    As you read God’s word, listen for Him to speak truth into your life and/or into the situation. Sometimes it will happen while you are reading. Sometimes it hits you during the day or many days or weeks later. The key to remember is that God is near. He hears our prayers and He answers.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

“But let him ask (for wisdom in the midst of trials) without doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:3-6

•    Another important thing to remember is that none of us have “arrived” yet. We are all still in the process of being transformed. Be patient with yourself and with others. Let God change you and give space to others to let God change them!!

Paul urges us in the book of Ephesians to be humble and patient with one another. “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love …” Ephesians 4:1-3

Let it not be lost on us that God asks us to approach one another with humility. And not only one another, but also Him!!!

I get into the biggest trouble when I think I know it all!!! There is so much knowledge outside of my pea-sized brain. O LORD, thank you for your patience with me. Help me to be patient with others and help me not to throw in the towel when I mess up the picture. For you are a God who speaks into my storms, and you are at work in me!!! Mark 6:45-50; Philippians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:28-29

Are you going through a storm? Any messes or conflicts in your life?? Lean into it and keep going. Keep “painting” and give it up to the LORD and let Him turn it into a picture of beauty.

P.S. If you want to see the “famous” painting, feel free to stop by…it is hanging on my fridge