The Art of Living

I’m attending a birthday event tonight for a friend who is a painter. In his honor, and at his request, everyone is encouraged to bring some expression of their own creativity to share. Looking forward to see what the night has to offer because this is a very creative group … seriously above average.  Naturally, I’ve composed a poem to recite in his honor. As I pondered what to write I was struck by the fact that we, as image-bearers of our Creator, are naturally inclined to creativity. Though mediums vary dramatically, we all express this part of our God-given character in some way. I would encourage and challenge each of my readers to consider how this occurs in your own life. Consider, also, that each day of your life has the potential to be a masterpiece as well. Here is my poem for the day:

The Art of Living

As we create, our art captures life
Though, at times, life imitates art
Our minds may direct the pen or brush
Yet the voice behind each is the heart
Though mediums vary, we’re born to create
Whether we paint, sculpt, bake or sing
For we are the dutiful image-bearers
Of the Creator of everything
We are fearfully, wonderfully made
The very masterpieces of He
Who sculpted mountains, painted the sky
Poured the waters into the sea
So whether we wield cameras or brushes
Work in wood or flowers or clay
The character of our Creator
Finds expression though us each day
Composers and dancers please Him
Musicians echo His praise
Each creative beat of our hearts
Worships the Maestro in untold ways
We create because the Creator
Has Himself our lives imbued
With color, with texture and beauty
Light, depth, perspective and mood
We must discover our mediums
As each interprets his Master’s call
And even life itself is an art form
Perhaps the loftiest one of all
As we work out our existence
In both new and creative ways
We manifest the Master’s character
Throughout the course of our days
Filling the canvas before us
With all that we have to give
For the greatest masterpiece of all
May simply be a life well-lived
              By Frank Carpenter ©