Saturday, March 22, 2025

Works of Art

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the Earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24

My house is loaded with artwork – some of it is even on the walls. Most of it is stacked up in the basement: some on shelves, some stacked against walls. There are many pieces upstairs in boxes with photos of the contents on the outside. Even the garage has some stored away: children’s drawings too precious to discard are tucked away in boxes, purchased artwork is stacked on shelves. There is a bin of pottery in the office closet – too beautiful to toss, but somehow didn’t make the cut for displaying or using.

If the art doesn’t live in a prominent place, or somehow doesn’t fit the décor of a place, is it less beautiful? Is it less valuable? Why do the artist(s) keep making things?

I think most artists have a hard time getting rid of their work. It’s a part of them. It was born of their creativity – their vision. A particular piece might evolve as the artist continues to work on it. The artist’s style might evolve too, but they don’t go back and toss the old stuff. But – they can’t stop creating. Lots and lots of art – some more evolved than others.

I think that we are works of art. God’s creations. Some of us are more evolved than others. Some more beautiful – but THAT depends on who is looking. Some of us are on display and some of us are a little more hidden away. But each of us is just as valuable as another. Why are we here? I think it’s because God is the ultimate artist, and we are his very precious pieces of art. A painter can keep adding layers to get the desired result. A sculptor can mold and remold. A true artist will continue creating, and continue to love and work on perfecting each piece. I know that I certainly need more layers (I prefer not to be smushed and completely remolded). I’m glad that God thinks I’m worth it.

Jacki Rumpp, CGMC

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for never giving up on any of your works of art. Please keep layering and molding me into the beautiful artwork that you have planned. Amen.