Day 14 - Art Appreciation

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me." 

(Psalm 119:73)

My son was coloring a picture a few weeks ago. He is a rough and tumble boy who usually gives very little thought to detail. Yet, that day he was determined to color every intricate part of that coloring page. He even used more than one color! He worked for a long time. He was so proud of what he was creating. Over and over again, he would shout out, "Mom, look! Do you like it!?" I would respond, "Yes! It is wonderful! You have done such an amazing job! I love it!" His little face lit up with the joy of affirmation. Can you imagine if my response to my son had been, "Well, its okay. It's just alright. You've done better on other pictures." Or worse yet, "I hate it!" He little heart would have been broken. Artists long for their art to be appreciated. 

To "fashion" is to make, to give shape or form to. It is often used to describe the creative work of an artist. The Lord fashioned us. This means that he paid attention to every little detail. In the book of Isaiah we read: "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8). God sculpted us with great care and intricacy. As an artist works tirelessly on his masterpiece to make sure that every line, curve, and color is perfect, the Lord also worked to mold us. An artist knows more about his art pieces than anyone else ever will. If you ask an artist to explain his work to you he will be able to give you more insight into the details than you could ever imagine. He knows the secret mysteries of his art and the purpose behind every element. He knows exactly why it is fashioned the way that it is. How much more then do you think God, the greatest of artists, knows us? He can reveal the mysteries about the beauty of our creation. He drew every line with a purpose, he created every detail ...and he calls it all beautiful. 

The artist longs for his art to be appreciated.  When we look in the mirror, what is our response to God's masterpiece? Do we tell him its "just okay," "good enough, but he's done better," or "Lord, I know you tried, but I hate it!" How heart broken our creator must be when we fail to appreciate the beauty of his creation. When we harshly judge our beauty we insult the one who created us. St. Paul warned against this:  "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” (Romans 9:20).

When my children bring me artwork, the only appropriate response is gratitude and affirmation. So too should be our response to God. The meaning of the word "fashioned" also means to influence the character. Our Lord molded us perfectly on the outside, but he even took care to fashion the interior. He created the soul to be made perfect as it lives in union with its creator. As we fight to believe in our beauty, we give our souls back to the Lord. He will continue to fashion them, to help us build character through virtue, and to understand the hidden mysteries of our creation.

We should engrave Psalm 119:73 in our minds and on our hearts. We must learn to appreciate God's artwork. 

Today's Challenge:

With a post it note or mirror marker, write today's scripture on your mirror.

Today's Prayer:

Heavenly Father, creating God, I so often look at my details with criticism. Please forgive me. You fashioned me with intricacy and you look at me with love, pride, and joy in my beauty. Please help me to see myself as you see me that I may give you glory. You deserve my appreciation and praise for you have made me wonderfully. Thank you. Amen.