The Tribune

By Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious

Some people have innate creative gifts. They are born with the ability to make beautiful things with their hands, and need only be provided with objects and opportunity in order to reveal what is already inside.

“On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers. He also covered the floors of both the inner and outer rooms of the temple with gold.”(1 Kings 6: 29-30). This is a description of the temple which Solomon built. To bring out this creative side in children, a toy like Lego is excellent in this regard.

Others are interested but not as capable. They improve with instruction and supervision, learning to follow patterns until they may find themselves willing to experiment, or content to work for someone else making their dreams come true. Some dress-makers use patterns, while others sew with just measurements: “Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” (Acts9:39). Before Peter prays for Dorcas and brings her back to life, we are told of her skill and kindness.

There are a great variety of talents and skills, the most obvious being painters, musicians, graphic artists, writers and so many others. Chefs are artists, gardeners are artists and even hairdressers are artists also. Many wonderful creations are produced in a mixture of materials. They all make the world a more special and wonderful place. Psalm 150 (NIV) is an excellent example of musical instruments at that time: “Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.”

“Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.”

How would you describe and define a masterpiece? I would say, without the help of a dictionary, that a masterpiece is something extraordinary, unique, and special, that has never been seen before, or is reproduced with such originality and individuality that others respond with amazement.

Very often it is immediately obvious, or it may be eventually while the artist is still alive, but very often it is posthumous, when the creator is long gone. Sometimes, no one declares it to be a treasure but we experience it as our best gift to the world.

We live in one of God’s masterpieces of creation. Our turquoise waters, white or pink sandy beaches, our glorious array of colourful trees, flowers, fruit and vegetables offer a glimpse of the mind and imagination of God

When you look in the mirror what do you see? I hope you see someone made in the image of God, one who has the potential to be one of God’s masterpieces, a unique and special gift from God to the world.

Do you feel your own worth and value? Do you know how much you are loved and celebrated? Do you often think about the price that Jesus Christ paid for you to have eternal life? Are you living as if you are a masterpiece? Do you know what that kind of life is like?

I believe that it involves inner peace, a degree of serenity and tranquility even in the midst of storms, loving kindness, joyful exuberance, a grateful heart and a deep faith. The apostle Paul describes a life in Christ in this manner: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 4:4-7).