This week is brought to you by the letter C, and the word canvas. This term gives the impression of crisp stretched linen prepared for an artist to paint upon. However, let's think bigger and broader than that.

can·vas: anything used to create something new or renewed

A floured counter with cookie dough is a canvas. Setting a picnic table for a family dinner is a canvas. A potted herb garden is a canvas. Placing colorful candles on a birthday cake is a canvas.

We were created by the ultimate Creator to... create. From the student to the teacher. From a child to a parent. From the engineer to the elected official to the eclectic musician. We are all creators while being fashioned and formed. The backdrop of our life is the canvas God uses to sketch the story He is writing through and for us.

The Amplified version of this Scripture is verbose but rich with verity — truth in who we are and how God is shaping us.

[For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
Ephesians 2v10 AMP

What's interesting — and sobering — is that not all frameworks are flawless. A new, white, and clean canvas is not the foundation for many of our lives. Guess what? The Lord can work with darkness. In fact, He's good at it. 

[The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.]
Genesis 1v2-3

From a multi-colored construction paper pack, we tend to choose lighter shades. Hoping for a strong statement to communicate creativity. Yet, glorious brightness is best seen on an unlit background. Think about stars ablaze on a blackened night sky. God is using the canvas of our lives — the light and dark — to proclaim His goodness and grace.

Share with a friend that God is creating a beautiful work of art in their life! 

grateful —