I was walking down a mountain with my friend lauren, and we were talking about beauty. We were discussing the definition of beauty for each of us and whether we prefer natural or man made beauty.
After thinking, I realized that when I look at a famous Temple in Nepal or a historic building in Ecuador, I will often find myself in tears. Those same tears come when I look at a common building in small southern towns, or a simple green curtain hanging as someone’s front door in a village in India. I’ve learned that the beauty made by people brings me to my knees, because that means we have a Father willing to give good gifts and talents so that we can create.
I’ve learned in India that I love to present space for others to create. It brings me so much joy to share new ways the Lord can speak to them, and I’ve seen the beauty, unity, and healing that comes from my squad joining me in creative worship through art. As I’ve realized this new passion, it has made me understand that Jesus likes to make space for others to create too. He made this earth full of his fingerprints, and he’s given us an entire empty canvas to brand our own trademarks of architecture, painting, sculpture, film, music, dance, and so much more. He gave us the ability and freedom to translate the language of our heart into something we can tangibly see and share with others. Art creates community if you let it, and to me, that is the most beautiful thing.
As Lauren and I continued walking down the mountain towards the half-finished school we’ve been living in, I heard the Lord say to me “Look, you may not think this crumbling building shows my vastness, but turn to the right and see the mountains filling the empty space. I made those for you, I made this space for you to create. Now it’s your turn. Take this half finished building and let your art fill my beauty and we will work together in unity to bring others to their knees.”
So though I’ve learned to love and intensely appreciate the natural beauty the Lord made for us, I equally see his glory displayed in the things we, as humans, create because they sing boldly the praises of a Father who chose us to create, and beckons us nearer to the cross day by day. In the sunrise, I will paint. As the stars peek through the clouds at night, I will paint. I will sing the praises of a good father who loves to display his mighty and powerful love through simple yet magnificent things. A Father who has sculpted and painted endless masterpieces around us, and molded masterpieces out of us. Creating is worshiping, therefore, may all I do be good and pleasing to the Father, who made me good and pleasing in His sight.
