My watercolor attempts are exercises in humility. I enjoy creating, but what I end up with will not be hung in any art museum any time soon!
Creation Memories
I remember playing around with watercolors as a kid. I would paint my childish masterpieces on old, blank computer punch cards.
After my grandfather died when I was in my 30s, I was shocked to find three of my computer card creations matted and expensively framed, proudly displayed over his desk.
Back to the Beginning
Now that I’m a few decades older, I’ve returned to finding simple pleasure in playing with color.
Although the process of creating is calming and freeing, my creations are still extremely elementary, and the result is never quite what I had in mind when I started!
Missing the mark doesn’t make me want to quit trying, though. I know the more time I spend with brush and pallette, the better my work will become.
The act of creating is itself a gift given by the original Creator. When we create, we’re following in his footsteps!
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
James 1:17
The Bible tells us that not only did God create all the lights in the sky, but “God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all” (1 John 1:5b). Did you know we can take after him in that way, too?
Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
Matthew 13:40-43 NLT
Who are the righteous? They are the ones who live to please God, seeking his forgiveness when they fall short. He, in turn, always forgives those who ask! One day, we’ll be positively brilliant.
Then and Now
We don’t have to wait for heaven before we shine like the sun. We can shine now in this life, bringing light into the darkness.
Here’s one way to make an impact with our light, as we toddle after our Father:
You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
Matthew 5:43-45
God gives light to all, whether they deserve it or not. We can choose to do the same!
We can follow his example and make a difference by simply treating people right no matter who they are, what they’ve done, or even how they’ve treated us. Imagine what would happen to this messed up world if folks started living that out!
My painting may not inspire anyone now, but it will get better with practice. Our light may not dazzle today, but the more time we spend learning and following the ways of our Father, the brighter we’ll shine.
Stay close to him today, and be blessed as you radiate his love and light to the world around you. ❤️
Lauri Hawley 