Creating Beauty

My daughter is in the process of applying to art school (SCAD, University of the Arts, VCU, etc.). She has to write essays for these places on why she wants to study art. Here's mom's mix:

I have often said that my daughter was put on this earth to create beauty. She is at heart an artist -- whether she's performing music, drawing comics, taking pictures, writing stories or poems. Even my daughter's style of dress is more of an art form.

I wonder if I've been correct about saying that her calling is to create beauty, however. It would probably be more correct to say that she was put here to reveal or uncover the beauty that already exists. Further, it may be even more correct to say that an artist is simply one who helps others to see. After all, some things are decidedly not beautiful, but we need to see them nevertheless.

Before the modern era it was generally accepted that art should imitate life. In the main I'd have to say that I agree with this statement. An artist's depiction of what IS can highlight some important quality that should be celebrated or (in the case of injustice, pain, etc.) what needs to be addressed by society. From this perspective, artists perform an invaluable service to mankind.

Art speaks to the human heart at a deeper, more basic level than mere rhetoric. Politicians and pundits can argue endlessly and never change a single opinion. But a painting, photograph, story or song can penetrate defenses and help people to see things from a different perspective. This power can be used for good or evil to be sure. Propaganda is a perfect example of art being used to manipulate. But the classics of literature and the art world prove that the highest use of art is to affirm life and humanity.

Hopefully as my daughter pursues her passions (writing and photography) she'll use her powers for good. The opportunity to see things through the eyes of her sensitive soul should make the world a better place.

Highly Favored of God

I've been pondering Mary's call this afternoon. During the sermon this morning, our pastor mentioned in passing the fact that Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn when they arrived in Bethlehem.

In the past, I've thought some about the magnitude of what God asked Mary to do when He offered her the chance to be the mother of Jesus. It was a big risk being found pregnant with no husband. There have always been religious folks who like to enforce the rules - and according to the rules, Mary should be stoned to death... Joseph, however, made a respectable woman of Mary, after being assured by an angel that the baby was in fact, God's.

Then, when it was time to deliver the baby, Mary and Joseph find that there's no room in the inn. Instead they are consigned to a stable where Mary suffers the pain of childbirth with no mother around to support her and no comforts.

She must have been an extraordinary woman. If it was me I'd be saying, "Isn't it enough O Lord that I took the risk of having this child? Couldn't you have at least found us a decent room? If we're doing your will, why don't you make it just a little easier on us? "

I think we often make the mistake of thinking that the Lord's favor means an easy road. But if God did not offer the mother of his child an easy burden, I think it's fair to say that we shouldn't expect to be on easy street just because we're following His plans.

Being favored by God means that He offers us the incredible opportunity to participate with Him in what He's doing. We are offered an adventure not a couch. So... if you're feeling a bit put out with all that's on your plate, think of Mary and Joseph. They were given perhaps the greatest honor that God ever bestowed - fostering his Son. They found themselves facing the misunderstanding of the good people in Nazareth, an uncomfortable journey to Bethlehem, followed by painful labor in a stable, and finally fleeing to Egypt with a baby in tow. Though this doesn't sound much like a Currier and Ives scene, it is the biblical one.