Creativity That Lasts

by Robin Sloboda
Psalm 90:17 - 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. (NKJV)
Looking through a collection of cross-stitching books today, I found a prayer that inspired me. I began thinking about how God uses our creativity to touch others and bring glory to himself, even when we are no longer living in this world. Artist Betty W. McCool writes: "Father, grant that I, through your gift, may reach beyond my earthly years and touch with love all who look upon my work forever."
What a mind-blowing, creative thought! Imagine.
The work we do with our hands can, does, and will outlive us. Da Vinci's work did. Michelangelo's work did. Even works of art done by Egyptians dating back three thousand years ago did. What we create with our hands will outlive us here on earth.
Later that day at a friend's home, we were sharing life stories while having tea. She showed me a few beautiful needlepoint pictures that her mother-in-law had created. I was in awe with the story that followed.
After her mother-in-law's death, the family found fifteen handcrafted pieces of needlepoint tucked between mattresses in her home. The cost of framing was not in the family budget, so with care, she had carefully covered each one in tissue. Then she had loving put them away under the mattresses until they could be mounted and framed. Her thought was that each of her children and grandchildren would eventually receive a gift of her handcrafted love.
What an amazing story! Part of her will live on through the work of her hands. The opportunity to frame the work never came during her lifetime, but each one of her children received a piece of her love nevertheless. My friend decided to frame one piece of tapestry a year in memory of her mother-in-law. What great heirlooms to cherish and pass down through generations!
Over the years, I have made a few cross-stitched pieces myself and written many poems, stories, and other items that will still be hanging around, even when I am not. My prayer is that through the creative work of my hands, God will bless my family for years to come. May it all bring glory to Him.
What creative gifts has God given us to touch the lives of others, even when we are no longer hanging around in this world? How have others blessed us through the work God has given them?
Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for the many ways You have gifted each of us to touch others' lives -- for creativity in building works of love to pass on to others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Robin Sloboda <r.sloboda@shaw.ca>Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada