Glassblowers, woodcarvers, chocolatiers, crepe makers; they all busied themselves quietly, seemingly unaware of the awestruck crowd watching them. To my memory, none of these skilled artists seemed nervous, indecisive or consulted any instruction book or recipe at the time. They just did what they knew to do and created beauty from ordinary material, making it extraordinary.
My daughter is a floral designer and has made countless flower arrangements and bouquets for weddings and special events over the years. Just recently, without her noticing, I was able to watch her work. I watched as she began, first taking the flowers and giving them a fresh cut, then placing them in buckets of water filled with nutrients that would hydrate and help them to recover from their days in shipping. After some time passed, she prepared the flowers by stripping away the outside petals and trailing leaves. Like an artist with a picture of the finished product only she envisioned, she began fearlessly, cutting, tying, binding, and pulling. Before my eyes there appeared a bride’s dream bouquet. It was designed with only the bride in mind, suited for her. I’ve seen other bouquets made by my daughter; each one is different just as each bride is uniquely beautiful. No two alike. That is one reason why customers hire her. Every creation of hers is customized and tailored perfectly to each bride.
As I was watching all this, I was reminded of Christ’s work in each of our lives. The Bible calls Christ the Master, Teacher, The Good Shepherd and the Potter. All of these titles refer to skilled experts in their trade. There is no one more skilled with people than Christ. The Bible says He is the Potter and we are the clay. Maybe you are feeling like a vulnerable piece of clay these days. If so, don’t be discouraged! The beauty that emerges from an artist’s work is not because of the product they are using but because of whose hands the product has been in. As God’s children, we are safely in the hands of God, and simply need to surrender ourselves to his will. We will feel the painful pulls and the fresh cut of preparation some days, but don’t be discouraged; The Master is at work, designing what He sees will bring Him Glory through the beauty of your surrendered life in Our Creator’s hands.
Isaiah 64:8, “yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”.
Philippians 1:6, “and I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”.
- Charlene Ramstead, Regina Beach, Lumsden, Craven, Southey Layperson
NOTE: Charlene Ramstead is currently going through her own time of pruning being in the middle of chemo treatments. She is trusting His handiwork in her own life!
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
