My purpose in painting is to capture my interpretation of God's magnificent creation on canvas using oils. My skills have grown under the instruction of a master artist, and I have painted many different themes. However, I invariably find myself finding the most pleasure in painting reflections of the glory of the Lord mirrored in the things He has made.

There is one painting in particular that many have proclaimed as my "masterpiece" so far. It is a 24 by 36 Spring Dutch Garden abloom with multicolor flowers, budding trees and cool blue waters trickling over a rock-laden stream. This painting produces a special feeling of favor in me every time I look at it. It also brings out a continual desire in my mother to create a place in her home for it.

That must be a similar feeling God in His majesty feels when He looks upon us. "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Ephesians 3:10 NLT. God's work of art we are! Therefore, we should never treat ourselves or others with disrespect or as inferior work.

Mankind lost so much through deception and choice of disobedience in the Garden of Eden. The Creator then stepped down into creation and Christ provided the costly price of salvation for us. He reversed all the wrong choices of the first man and woman by making the right choice every time, and then giving up His sinless life for our sin-filled ones that we may have eternal life. When we receive Him as Savior and give Him the rightful place of Lord in our lives, we are restored to be our original created masterpiece.

This restoration brings out all the good things built into us that may have been covered by mistakes made in trying to live out our lives without the proper relationship with the One who made us. The stunning colors of who we really are become illuminated in satisfying completeness. May we each bring our Lord and Creator much glory as He fully views His Masterpiece in us and also fulfill the list of good things He individually designed for us long ago.

Dianne Brady is an author and speaker and can be reached at dbrady@a4isp.com.