The Art of Who We Are

Available for 24 days

Good morning When I wake up in the morning, it’s always good to see the reassuring presence of a favourite painting that hangs upon my bedroom wall. But on this day in 1994, the owners of a Norwegian Art Gallery were shocked to discover that their most precious artwork, Edvard Munch’s famous painting of ‘The Scream’ had been stolen. I’m not sure if it was taken for the resale value or if someone really wanted this visceral depiction of existential dread hanging above their bed. The art we chose to buy, create, or in some way place around us, says a lot about what we appreciate, what brings us joy, and might tell others much about the kind of person that we are. It might come as a surprise to think of the walls of heaven decorated with portraits of you and me, but the bible says that’s kind of what God does. In the New Testament letter to the church in Ephesus, the writer talks of us as God’s own masterpieces, unique and beautiful works of art, been created to do good works. The suggestion is that each one of us is distinctively imagined and crafted, with our own particular talents and gifts, longings and desires, and inimitable personality and relationships. But our purpose is not simply to hang beautifully in heaven’s gallery, there are good things for us to do today, blessings that maybe only we can bring. And if in all our doing, we catch a glimpse of our portrait, don’t worry if today we look too much like Munch’s anxious ‘Scream.’ Because we’re only ever works in progress, and I think the artist often passes by, pallet and paint brush in their hand, to freshen up the artwork with deeper hues of joy and brushstrokes of renewed and greater purpose. Dear God of infinite creativity and bringer of endless beauty work well the brushstrokes of your love within our lives that we may bring joy to those we meet today. Amen