Words, Words, and Worship

In full disclosure, I’ve been in a funk for the past few weeks. Thinking about all the things

God hasn’t done—like give me a husband, book sales, or a steady stream of income—I’ve lost sight of all that He has.

But then, as I was hunting through my files to find a picture of today’s print, I found a little document called high school testimonials (fun fact: I actually painted that building for one of my teachers). Inside, I discovered various affirmations from teachers and mentors—assumedly, I collected these for job recs, way back when—and instantly, my look at all God has done sight returned.

Now, I’m not going to share everything they wrote, and what I do share isn’t based on vanity, but heavenly victory:

Maddie is the type of young lady who is able to see the world and capture the beauty of it through so many different ways.

Her craftsmanship is excellent, her attitude of positivity is infectious.

She displayed a dedication to craftsmanship and work ethic that is rarely seen.

Maddie has a rare combination of talent, creativity, craftsmanship and dedication.

Maddie is not just a talented artist but a very wise and deep thinker as well. Her work is the beautiful joining of her creativity, her skill, and the depth of her soul. She has the incredible ability to create works of art that display the beauty of this world and speak directly to the heart the truths of love, peace, and abundant life.    

Friends, when I read these words—particularly the ones pertaining to beauty and craftsmanship—I was instantly called to some other Words:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)

“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Ps 90:17)

“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze." (Ex 35:31-32)

Every time my teachers wrote Maddie, they should’ve written God because every good part of me is founded upon the eternally good God.

And I forgot it.

I forgot how the creative gifts He’s given me are for His glory, not my own desires. So what if I don’t get sales or readers? I get Him; and He is more than enough.

And so, friends, I urge you to hone in on your God-given gift. If you don’t know what it is, take a spiritual gifts test, and if you already do…

Then get to work!

Invest the talents He’s put within you and glorify His kingdom. Focus on all the good He has done and seek to multiply it through your hands. After all, we are the hands and feet of Jesus.  

Although, in my case, those hands just happen to be covered in paint :)