The Clay

The Clay by Ron DiCianni

This is my most favorite work of art in the world.  One day I hope to own a copy.  It never fails that everytime I see this painting, I am reminded that God is continuously working on me.  There seem to me so many 'rough edges' in my life, and sometimes it feels like it is all just hopeless.  But then I see this picture and hope and faith are restored. 

Sometimes I feel like I'm wandering in the desert alone, then I remember that sand can be used to smooth rough edges.  Sometimes I feel like I'm caught in the rapid undercurrent of a river, then I remember that swiftly moving water can be used to smooth rough edges.  Sometimes I feel like I'm in the middle of a driving rain, then I remember that rain can be used to wash away dirt and make things clean.  Sometimes I feel like I'm walking through a fire and the heat is more than I can bear, then I remember that it is through fire that things are made pure.

All of the things we go through, both good AND bad, easy AND difficult help shape us.  God uses it all for HIS glory, not ours.  A lot of the time, I don't like this because I want a little of the glory for me - "Look what I've done" or "I've been through so much, and look at me now."  My stark reality: it's not about me...it's about Him, it's about showing what He's done in and through me. 

These mindsets in me are the 'rough edges' that He lovingly but strongly chisels away.  He uses the lonely desert, the water's current, the driving rain and the unbearable fire to create, mold, refine and shape me into a vessel of honor to do His will.  I learned long ago that the best kind of pot to shine a light through isn't one of beauty and perfection, but one that is cracked.  It's through those cracks that enough light is given us to take one step at a time. 

"Yet, O Lord you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Isaiah 64:8