Read Philippians 1:1-6

“Art produces ugly things which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.”

Jean Cocteau

Faded, broken, graceful lines are still visible upon the canvas of the painting’s original magnificence. Possibly hundreds of years earlier an artist had taken up a brush and with simple paint created this incredible scene. Now worn and weathered, the painting barely echoes its former brilliance. Through the cracks and tears, it gives silent testimony to the skill of its original artist. Wind, rain, heat, admirers—with each touch glory has departed. Centuries after its creation one cannot help but wonder about the creator, whether he was a pained soul or happy individual. One can feel a surprising connection with a painting of this magnitude. There is something familiar in comparison to anyone that dares to look closely in the mirror. The reflection too feels weathered.  Pain, conflict, disappointment, sin—with each touch, glory has departed from that individual’s life. The cracks, and chips of life with those same faded, broken lines, are only a faint reflection of what God had originally intended. Any thoughts that are present drift to the future of the painting. New artists could attempt to restore it, but its original artist could no longer take up a brush. Only one could truly return the painting to its intended magnificence. Only one saw the painting in his mind and felt the painting in his soul before others could see it with their eyes. That one master artist passed long ago. There ends the similarity between the painting and the picture in the mirror because the Original Artist of that face in the mirror—He still lives! He still remembers His master design. Our Creator is able and willing to restore the faded and broken portions of poor man’s souls. Hope exists for us--the weathered and worn--because our Original Artist lives! It is a wonderful thing to experience the molding and restoring of the Master’s hand. Can you feel those gentle hands forming you? Will you allow Him to enter your life and continue the work that He so desires to finish?