The Artist at Work

Autumn is captivatingly beautiful here in Germany. The changing colors reveal our Lord’s creative artistry. The back and forth weather serves as a reminder that God has a sense of humor and that He alone is in control. (You’ve planned a park day only to be foiled by the rain or a random snow day with subzero temperatures, then instead spent the day building trains, too, right?). After two years, I am still not “used to” this climate, but relish such reminders from God. Reminders to slow down, enjoy the moments, and not worry about all the “stuff” that I think must be done. Jesus said, as recorded in Matthew 6:34, that “each day has enough trouble of its own.” We cannot add hours to our life (or day, as we think we “need” sometimes) or even an inch (let alone a cubit – 18 inches) to our height (though I wouldn’t mind a couple of extra inches either) through worrying. God knows our needs and is waiting to supply them (not that His way looks like our way most of the time). Sometimes His answers are immediate, as we see in Biblical accounts of many prophets, including Elijah (1&2 Kings) and Daniel (Daniel 9:20). Other times, we may feel more and more like the persistent widow (Luke 18) as we bring our petitions before the Lord. Ultimately, we either trust that God is the Righteous and Faithful Judge and Provider, or we rely only on ourselves. I am ever thankful that His grace covers me on the days I fall short and I am humbled to give Him all the glory on the days that I do well. While I’m a long way from the ideal of Proverbs 31, I know the Artist isn’t through with me yet and He will use anything to show me His purpose.

Sometimes, the simplest songs reflect the biggest concepts. As I thought and wrote about the changes of the season and God’s majesty in Creation, I remembered this song (and discovered it has verses!):

He’s still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
‘Cause He’s still workin’ on me

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don’t judge me yet, there’s an unfinished part
But I’ll be better just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master’s loving hands

In the mirror of His word
Reflections that I see
Makes me wonder why He never gave up on me
But He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He’s the potter; I’m the clay