Whatever piece I paint, I always keep in mind that its purpose is to shine. To hang on a wall and enhance a room is the most basic purpose of any piece of art. If I am commissioned to paint a piece for a specific space, I will take or ask for photographs of the room so that whatever I create blends with the decor on the one hand and sparkles and shines on its own on the other.
You were created for this time and placed wherever you are living at the moment. God created you to be a part of a community on the one hand and to sparkle and shine as only you can on the other. Jesus put it this way,
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16
You may wonder how you can shine today if you are dealing with a difficult time in your life. Here is where the lesson from the easel comes into play. Color theory suggests that these difficult times are the very things that will cause your light to shine brighter than ever.
Study color theory and you learn that color affects itself. What that means is that when two colors are placed next to each other they have the potential to change how the viewer sees them. When a dark shade is put next to a light tint, they both become so much more: the dark shade makes the the light tint sparkle. The light tint makes the dark shade deeper.
Life events have the potential to affect how you brightly you shine. The darker times in your life make the lighter times that much brighter. Times of sorrow make times of joy that much sweeter.
Choose joy in the midst of trials (James 1:2) and others will see your light and glorify God.
Pray for a friend in need when you are hurting and you shine light to “all who are in the house.”
Serve the last, the least, and the lonely and others “see your good works” and give praise to God.
Let your light shine in spite of how bright or how dark your day may be.
Remember that the darker the day, the brighter God’s light in you shines.
This painting is the last from the Fruit of the Spirit collection. It represents goodness.