One of my good friends, Bill Graf, is a gifted artist. He creates beautiful paintings and is a skilled woodcarver. I am awed at the unique talents God gives each one of us and the way His creatures can display those talents for His glory. Bill’s art work is a tribute to the glory of his Creator.
Recently, I was able to see one of Bill’s wood carvings progress from start to finish. I was fascinated by the process. Bill took his granddaughter with him out on his boat. Together, they carefully scanned the shores of Lake Norman as they searched for a piece of wood that could be transformed into an object of beauty. After finding the suitable piece, Bill began the lengthy process of meticulously carving the wood. It was amazing to see the work “in progress” as the image gracefully emerged from the wood.
As I followed Bill’s progress, I was reminded of a legendary tale that is sometimes told about the famous artist, Michelangelo. When asked how he created his magnificent sculpture entitled David, he replied, “I just chip away all the stone that doesn’t look like David”. As Bill painstakingly removed everything that did not look like the image he had in mind, a stunning striped bass emerged from the wood.
When we give our lives and heart to Jesus, God sees the image of His Son in us. Then, He begins the lengthy and painstaking process of removing everything in us that does not conform to that image. We can joyfully submit to the process, daily surrendering our desires to Him and enjoy the freedom of walking in the fulness of our new life in Him. We can also choose to hinder that process by clinging to our own selfish ways and desires. The more we surrender our hearts and minds to Him, the more Christ’s image is revealed in us. Often my prayer is that God would give me the “want to”, the desire to “want to” do His will!
On a trip to Seabrook Island, I strolled along the beach looking for driftwood to give as a gift to Bill. As I examined each piece of driftwood, I wondered, “What would Bill see in this piece of wood? What wonderful object of art would he make from it?” I had new appreciation for the driftwood I handled as I pondered the potential inherent in each piece. In the hands of a master craftsman, it could become a thing of lasting beauty.
Then, I lifted my eyes to look at the people who were walking, biking or relaxing around me on the beach asking myself, “I wonder what God sees in each of these? What beautiful gifts does He want to release in them? How would He like to use their unique personality to bless the world?” I asked God to make me more aware of those around me who are created in His image, giving me His eyes to see, and helping me partner with Him to encourage others with words of life.
