The picture grows and comes to life as layer upon layer is applied. This takes much patience over a period of time.
I don't always follow my art instructions well, as I tend to want to do it my way, but over time with encouragement I learn to heed the wise advice given.
We share our lives and a meal together in the process of our day of being creative.
Sometimes I ask myself am I up to, and ready to tackle, the task set before me, in giving God honour, in the way I reflect His grace toward others in love and acceptance toward them.
There have been times where I have thought I am not financial enough to help, or I am just too busy to possibly encourage and help another and I don't have the time to give.
But what I have learnt from Mary who is older and wiser than me, is that we each have the gift of ourselves to give. Through the talents, passions and interests that I have been given and with the Holy Spirit working through me, I can be an instrument for Jesus, reflecting His love.
So as I commit to God and His abundant love for me, I also can then share His love though the way I think and through my words and actions toward others. There is never a more perfect time for me to do this than right now, for as it says in Ecclesiastes 11:4 'Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant, if they watch every cloud they never harvest.'
Jesus lived his life in full relationship with the Father, and reflected the Fathers love sincerely toward others. He taught us how to love and lived his life serving others and ministering to their needs.
Through the talents and gifts I have been given, I can indeed share that generously, as I learn to rely on Him more and trust in Him to help me use my gifts to bring God glory.
It doesn't matter in which small corner of the world that I may live, I am realising that I can be used of God to allow Jesus to shine through me and be a reflector of his love toward others.
In Proverbs 27:19 reads
As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.
I've often wondered about Mary as an example of reflecting the love of God. Mary put her faith into action (remember how the Spirit of the Lord spoke to her) for the glory of God. Imagine going away with your betrothed and pregnant, trusting God.
There is much pain sorrow, sin and darkness in this world but, there are also many people who are reflecting the love of Jesus, through the way they live their lives in love and service toward others.
As I draw closer to God in my own walk with the Lord, learning to trust Him more and abiding in Him, allowing His love to transform me, I too can then be a more true reflection of Jesus love.