And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,  to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1: 16-18

I’ve been questioning a lot of things right now.  Life has plopped me back in my recliner almost full time.  It leaves me much time to question what I should be doing with the rest of my life.

I’ve only recently been able to put the label “artist” to my self.  Am I now an artist with no creations left to be made?

Last night I read something that encouraged me.

Frances Schaeffer’s book, Art and the Bible, contains the statement that our very lives are works of art.

That resonated with me.  It’s not just making a painting.  It’s not writing a devotional, it’s not simply creating a song that may never be sung.

My whole life is that work of art I’ve been longing to make real.

Each moment of my life is a brush stroke on the artwork that is me.

I don’t know how closely you’ve examined paintings that you like - but contrast is an important part of any composition.  

Thomas Kinkaid’s paintings come to mind. There are bright highlights. Shimmers that stand out and catch your eyes and focus them there.  There are middle ground hues.  And, there are the deep, dark shadows. Shadows bring life and depth to a painting.  They make it real. Without the contrast of shadows, the highlights just don’t show up brightly. Light isn’t light without the dark to stand in stark contrast.

I’m realizing that right now I am living in the shadows.  I think I have been for a while.  And I’m also realizing that it’s ok.

This piece of art that is my life needs those shadows, those areas that bring rest and relief, contrast to the other brush strokes.

I’d challenge you, my dearest readers, to look at your lives in the same way.  You are creating a work of art with your life.  You won’t know what it looks like until it is completed.

Don’t be afraid of the shadow times.  They are necessary.  Vital.  Perhaps, the shadows may end up being the most important part of the artwork that is you - allowing the brightest parts of your life to shine even brighter than ever before.

Father God, I pray that each of us may willing bring our lives to you - shadow times and all.  Help us to know that as you continue the creations we are to become, no portion of our life is unnecessary or unused by You. Amen and amen.

For we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28