That’s an Ugly Wall

 

 

 

Yes, yes it is. For now.

 

 I’ve been in the process of painting a mural for a church the past few weeks. It’s taken a lot to plan and prepare and even longer sometimes to get the ideas onto the walls. I still have a way to go if I hope to finish by Christmas. Yesterday I was starting to paint the base color throughout the entry way. Within the hour at least five people walked by to offer me their opinions. “That’s an ugly wall.” “What a bright color.” “Is this it?” Some just stared. “Oh.”

 

I couldn’t take offense. I just smiled and continued to paint. I know it’s kinda dull. I just turned an entire hallway into elephant camouflage. It’s bland and boring. Kinda like me. Kinda like you.

 

They don’t know what will end up on the walls. They can’t imagine the details of colors and lines and images that will collage the hallways. They don’t understand the purpose and love and Kingdom thinking that started it all. That’s OK. 

 

See, I don’t always….K, most always, understand that in my own life either. I get frustrated with the waiting. I get impatient with the difficulties, trials, and pain. I am lonely and empty at times. I want to give up my hope and faith in myself and others because history has proved us unreliable. I blind myself with my own selfishness when I seek personal understanding and control and fairness. I want everything to make sense from beginning to end.

 

Oh, am I sorry every time I look away from Him. The Great Artist knew us in the beginning. [For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13] He knows everyday. He uses them to refine and grow us into the men and women He deigned for us to be. He doesn’t question. Doesn’t discourage. Doesn’t give up. He knows the ending so just keeps painting.

 

So will I…