We are a Mosaic

"We are, ourselves, creations.
And we, in turn are meant to continue creativity
by being creative ourselves.
Creativity is God’s gift to us.
Using our creativity is our gift back to God.”
Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

I attended a women's retreat this past weekend and we gave the women there the opportunity to create pieces of art in response to how God spoke to them and/or moved in their lives. It was so inspiring to see the pieces of artwork that were created as a worshipful response to God. There were a variety of mediums available. One of my favorite pieces was one that we created together. A dear friend's husband created a cross that is 3' high and 2' wide. We provided tiles to the women and they wrote something on the back of the tile that they needed to let go of and/or was preventing them from living a full life with Christ. Then, they glued the tile to the cross. Many of the tiles were broken...just like we are...but together on the cross, they make a beautiful mosaic...these broken pieces have come together to make a beautiful piece of art. I loved watching the women talk with each other about what they were leaving on the cross. I loved watching them try to pick the perfect spot for their tile, afixed permanently in a place that they chose. On the last day of the retreat, we gave the women an iridescent jewel to place on the cross as well. It represents the fact that we are all jewels in the crown of our Creator, He longs for us to live a life to the full...we just need to embrace that for ourselves. Sometimes that's the hardest part-believing that we deserve that. But we do. We are all beautful...created to be exactly what He wanted us to be. We are broken, but are made complete because of the cross. And, just as the jewels we placed on the cross reflect light, we should too. His light should glow through us in a way that draws others...especially those who don't know Him...to us.

Patience

He waited patiently for me. He whispered my name and I screamed at him to leave me alone. He gently told me he loved me for who I was and could be - I rejected him.

Time after time I rejected his desire to love me and use me to reflect his light.

Then, one day, I couldn’t fight him anymore. I cautiously gave my heart to him, tattered and broken. Like a child hands over a prized possession, convinced the receiver will never truly understand its value.

He held me in his arms and patiently waited for me to accept his love. He never threw my rejection of him into my face. But welcomed me, his daughter, into his presence.

His gifts are beyond value, his love beyond comprehension.
He is my savior, my comforter, my champion. He is my Father.