Work of Art

My wonderful mother-in-law, Helen Teague, loved antique shops. When she visited, we’d spend hours combing the shops for a unique work of art at a bargain price. On one of these expeditions, she introduced me to Blue Ridge pottery.

Southern Potteries, a plant in Erwin, Tennessee, manufactured the pottery between the 1930’s and 1950’s. Each piece is stamped with ‘Blue Ridge,’ named for the mountains surrounding the town. My sisters-in-law and I have collected pieces of the bright, cheerful dishes over the years. The hand-painted designs make each dish unique, its own work of art.

Have you ever considered that you are a work of art, with a value far greater than any painting or pottery? Think about these verses in Psalm 139: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb . . . Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:13,16 NIV)

The Creator of the universe knit us together in our mother’s womb, weaving the fibers of our being with intricate precision. We were never out of His sight even before we were born, and He planned our days before there was one. The New King James translation uses the word “fashioned” for “ordained.” What a beautiful picture! God Himself designed a purpose unique to each of us.

We are precious to Him. He didn’t create us to leave us on our own. He counts our steps and numbers the hairs on our head. His plans for us are always good. He loves us so much He sent His Son to bring us into a relationship with Him.

Do you feel your life has no meaning? That you have no value? Take heart! You are a work of art, and you have been created by God for a purpose unique to you.

Now it’s your turn! Do you have special handmade art or needlework? I’d love to hear about it. When you look at or use your treasure, let it remind you how precious and unique you are to God. Please leave comments in the box below.