Christian Living

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When you look at a picture, what do you see? Through a painting, sculpture or photograph, the artist portrays his feelings about a certain subject or scene. His emotions reach from deep within and transmit into his work. Can you feel the emotion he is trying to depict? From that piece of art, do you have a sense of happiness or sadness? Do you feel calm or angry? Is the piece one of darkness or light?

A tremendous amount of the artist goes into his or her work; hours upon hours are devoted to this piece. God, who has created each person in His image and likeness, has devoted - given - some of Himself to your creation. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” These words are found in the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah. God knew us before He formed us in our mother’s womb. He knew our personality and the path we would chose in later life. We are each a child of God, a unique masterpiece of His creation. Yet, we are ignoring Him and seem to focus only on our individual self. Where is the family, which is the core of society? What is happening to our children who represent the future? Why do children worry about their own safety either at school or as they return home? Many unsettling incidents occur throughout our country on a weekly basis, thereby causing this fear to escalate.

Life was so simple when you and I were young. However, our values - the values of our parents - were much different. We spent time together with family and friends. Playing outside with neighborhood children - using our minds creatively yet harmlessly - was fun and led to cherished memories later in life. Home cooked meals, instead of fast food restaurants, were delicious. Many older people today have wonderful memories; they are truly blessed. The pace of life we now lead is much too fast. An unnecessary amount of emphasis is placed on material items and their absolute necessity in our lives. However, are they really a necessity? We need to slow down and teach our children the true and lasting values of life - those that are felt not with the pocketbook, but with the heart.

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