I used to draw and paint. I used to sing, I used to play…the piano. Now I work and rest, I worship. I write and when I leave this life I wonder if I will leave everything unfinished.
When we are given a certain ability and it is not used, is it removed like the parable of the talents? Or is it resting somewhere and will one day again wake up? Faith leaves this life unfinished, and so will I.
But I wonder, if I pick up a pen and try to complete this sketch I began almost 50 years ago, will I finish it or ruin it? Maybe some things are best left unfinished. God has His reasons. Or maybe it is like a poem, a metaphor of the seen and unseen existing together, and it is finished!
The sense of unfinished can cause such sadness. ‘It’s over, no use trying.’ That’s a common human response. We had a milk pitcher that sat on the breakfast table when I was growing up with a picture of a cow and a lady and a tipped over canister painted on it, and the words, ‘Don’t cry over spilt milk.’
“Rise, let us be going,” Jesus said to his disciples when they screwed up and slept. He is about letting go of what’s over, and rising to the next thing. With Him, there are miracles. What seems impossible in human eyes is not in His.
So what of this inspiration? Move towards it. Rise to it. Do the next thing. Yet unfinished, but faithful. Not a failure. Should we let the sense of failure tarnish a vision? Fight to the finish.
Dance has beautiful positions, but the movement between the positions captures the rapture. A pen in hand I draw a line and then another. What lies within the lines yet unrealized? Yet unseen…? The first step must be taken without God.
Matthew 25:14-30; 26:40
always offer your best …
donate yourself …
so you will feel full!
Hi Deb, it’s been a while. Read your post, saw your drawing, which I liked by the way, kind of a pity not to finish that, seeing as the outline is already sketched! I love pen drawings! BUT … your call (no pressure)! I’ll be 75 in April and I’ve started a couple of projects that I may or may not finish, depending on how much time our Lord gives me. My thinking is, if I feel lead to do something, then I’m going to start it and if God grants me the time to finish it, great and if not, then He will take care of the rest. We are totally complete in Jesus. Everything else is gravy, under His charge. Do what you can do, when you can and are lead to do it and leave the final outcome to Him. Philippians 1:6 comes to mind. God’s grace, peace and blessings to you and yours! – Bruce
Deb, it’s a beautiful drawing, just as it is. ‘Let go, let God’ flows in so many ways. <3
Bruce, It’s always so good to hear from you. Thanks for the word. You always bless me.
Deb
Jane, you are so right. My dad used to say those words to me and they came back to me recently. Seems like I still need to hear them! Thank you. ❤️
Beautiful Carlos. Thank you.
I need to hear them daily, Deb! <3
I admit I look back on the past often with feelings of regret–many precisely because of all those unfinished or imperfect moments. Half starts. So seemingly few finishes. Failures. And then your words: “Maybe some things are best left unfinished. God has His reasons. Or maybe it is like a poem, a metaphor of the seen and unseen existing together, and it is finished!” Oh, only God could write our stories in such a way so as to make your words true! Thank you for this bright sunbeam of hope that cuts through the thick darkness of regret.
Eric, you understand.
And yes, I believe He can. Thank you for your words that land here like a “bright sunbeam”—
Your friend,
Deb
Your drawing is amazing, dear Deb! Allow me to encourage you (as you have me with this beautiful post) to return to your “other-than-writing” artistic talents and endeavors! We can do it together and just enjoy all the arts and “play” when we have the time and opportunity. You definitely should embrace your inspiring post’s conclusion because you are so very, very talented in so many areas! I love you! <3 <3
Deb,
Super!!
I see the sketch as “A House with Dreams”.
The ‘finished’ part is an old house with character,
and the lightly sketched part shows me its dreams.
I love it.
Sarah
Sarah, You always make my heart swell.
“Yet unfinished, but faithful. Not a failure. Should we let the sense of failure tarnish a vision? Fight to the finish.”
I am in tears. Your “unfinished” writing spoke to the unfinished work deep in my heart. “God help me trust you, the Author and Finisher.”
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
What a perfectly beautiful ending to the day, Heidi. Thank you. Your writing connected to me as well. What a gift to connect❤️
Perhaps there is a lesson in that unfinished pen drawing, as it illustrates the verse Bruce mentioned above, Philippians 1:6. God slowly but surely crafts our life-houses (Psalm 127:1) into masterpieces (Ephesians 2:10). His Light shines from within (Matthew 5:16) through the windows of our souls. And one day the last pinnacle, the last finial will be put in place, on the day of Jesus Christ. He’s already planned the design, the events leading up to that day, and their purpose (Philippians 2:13); it’s just a matter of time until his plan is fully executed. Thank you for the food for thought, Deb!
Nancy,
I’m so sorry I overlooked commenting on your beautiful message until now. What an inspired tapestry of scripture! If my little sketch had anything to do with it, I am fulfilled. I don’t think I will add another line to it. I might start a new one, however. 🙂 As Bruce said today, Blessings, Peace and Grace to you and Yours! Deb
Lynn, thanks much for the encouragement. One day, I believe we will make art together. I just know it! ❤️