John 6:47 – I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.
Recently, I took the opportunity to follow a leading to create a piece of artwork. It was centered around the word ‘life’. Several things contributed to my mind settling on this word. Many times I have ideas pop into my head, but quickly dismiss them as impossible, improbable or impractical. I quit before I start. Sadly, I know in my heart that God gives me many of those prompts and I lack the faith and stamina to follow through.
But, back to why I landed on the word ‘life’. Recently, a good friend needed me to sit with her in court while the man who murdered her mother 2 ½ years ago was sentenced. He received “Life plus 30 years”. I spent considerable time in the weeks leading up to the sentencing thinking about a life sentence and what exactly that means. The anticipation of Spring contributed, too, I’m certain. And, perhaps more significantly, the calendar says it’s nearly Easter, and that, of course is the culmination of everlasting Life in Christ.
So, there’s a written piece that goes along with my artwork (pictured below). I hope it inspires you press in on just what John 6:47 means to you, personally. Here it is:
Life – Puzzle Pieces
Life is like an unfinished puzzle with many pieces of life scattered all over the table. As things fall into place, though, the outcome doesn’t fit the way we envision a puzzle coming together. Some pieces are missing when we think they should have already been found. Others are forever lost. Puzzle pieces from other peoples’ lives seem to find their way into our puzzle, confusing or adding to it; filling in a gap or a hole. The completed puzzle rarely resembles the picture on the box. There might be traces of the picture throughout the puzzle, but the imprint of life embossed on the finished product forever changes the landscape of the puzzle.
Life – Road Maps
Life is like a map spread out on the dashboard of a car. There are so many ways to go, so many turns to make, so many uphill climbs to navigate, so many paths, so many destinations, so many road blocks and detours. It’s easy to get lost on the road and in life. Clear directions and a set destination keep us focused and on task. Road blocks are easily managed when back roads and detours are anticipated. Twists and turns, hills and valleys are taken without effort when what lies ahead is planned out. And, even when a sudden pot hole or bump comes up in the road, recovery is effortless when all eyes are on the map and sights are set on the destination.
Life – Pick Up Sticks
Life is like a game of pick up sticks. The rules are simple: Hold all sticks upright with one hand on the table. Open the hand quickly so that the sticks scatter on the table. Pick up sticks one at a time until another stick is caused to move besides the one being attempted to be picked up. Life is frequently a scattered mess, like the sticks dropped on the table. Then, the mess is sorted out, bit by bit, stick by stick, until everything is back in its place ready to be scattered again.
Life – Colored Tissue Paper
Life is like the colors of a rainbow; Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Together they create a beautiful hue of colors across the sky. Life’s colors are varied and sundry; joy, sorrow, happiness, contentment, love, anger, peace. It is impossible to know one color without experiencing the others. Each compliments the others to paint a beautiful picture of the time spent connecting with others, doing life, and living. Each helps define experiences and emotions. Each helps to complete us.
