WATCHWORD:
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48
Meditation:
You Say We’re Perfect?
Two years ago, for a birthday celebration, my family gathered at the Indianapolis Museum of Art where we experienced the van Gogh Immersion exhibit. If you have never had this experience and you have the opportunity, don’t miss it!
I did not know what to expect. I thought it was going to be like any other art exhibit, but no. We stepped into this large room and there on one of the walls was a giant display of one of van Gogh’s masterpieces, and it was moving! Fascinated, we move further into the room and realized his masterpieces, all his works, were being displayed on the walls, the ceiling, and, watch where you step, on the floor as well. Each one moving, Starry Night, Field of Sunflowers, sketches, all van Gogh’s work. It was amazing! We spent an hour and a half immersed in his masterpieces. What an experience! What a gift!
Van Gogh was hardly a perfect person. He had many flaws in his interaction with others, in his war with himself, and his own declaration that he was a failure. But he was not a failure, he was, in fact, perfect for God’s purpose of his life. God had created this man and this man created masterpieces that we admire, and we get immersed in, a spiritual experience.
We, too, are perfect. We have been fashioned out of dust, been made in the perfect image for God’s purpose for our life. Each one of us is different. It goes far beyond fingerprints, gender, race, temperament, intelligence down a long list of differences, and yet each one of us is perfect for the purpose for which God has created us.
What is that purpose? Have you discovered it for yourself? In fact, you may be the perfect example of practicing that purpose without actually knowing that this is the purpose for which God has created you. We know about the gifts that God has given us from the reading the Bible, but the mere fact that you are there, and I am here, where we are placed, is part of God’s purpose.
At age 81, I started writing an essay for my church newsletter. Two years later, that little story turned into a full-length published book: A Life for Barabbas, my book! Amazing! From that point on, I kept writing because the Lord kept leading me: Watchword devotionals, two more books, more essays, all faith-based, and, I believe, the product of God’s Purpose.
I suppose it’s possible to go through a long life, as many of us have, following God’s lead as we move from one task or role to another. Who could have anticipated the experiences, the joys, the pains that have shaped who we are. Each one making us perfect for the mission, the purpose God has for us. I ask you, who can know the mind of our Creator? Something to pray about.
Thomas Merton’s Morning Prayer:
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. I trust that You are guiding me in the very purpose for which you have created me. Thank you, Lord.” Amen.
