Happy Monday! “…just suppose that we could be sure of final victory in every conflict, and final emergence out of every shadow into brighter day;…” –Henry Van Dyke
Aren’t bright, sunny days great? Our moods are lighter, it seems. However, I have heard it said that “all sunshine makes a desert.” This is not so good.
Overcast, cloudy days can be nice also. We linger longer over that cup of coffee and do not feel as much need to hurry. It is on such days that I often get out my easel, a canvas, oils or acrylics, and paint.
As I squeeze paint onto the palette, I choose red, green, blue, and—my favorite—yellow. However, there must be some brown, black, and gray—the dull, shadowy colors. For a painting to take on depth, meaning, and character, there must be shadows. The book Basics of Oil Painting states, “Shadows have a magical effect, power to set the mood. They serve the artist.” How true this is!
The Master Artist has each of us on His easel, and He knows exactly how much light and how many shadows are needed—the colors to make a masterpiece. There will be shadows and dark tones, but they serve the Artist.
As I think of people who I have known who I consider to be great, I notice that they are, without exception, happy and fruitful individuals whose lives have been tested. From where did the greatness come? Psalm 91:1 gives us an idea that they were dwellers in the secret place of the Most High who abided under the shadow of the Almighty. His shadow gives safety and refuge.
My husband very often quoted a song that was meaningful in his life:
“Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus,
He’s the Friend who always cares and understands.
Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Him,
And you’ll know Him by the nail prints in His hands.”
You are God’s masterpiece, and He has not finished yet!
by Beverly Hyles
From the Mondays with Beverly blog. Reprinted with permission.
