“What do you enjoy about teaching art?”

I had to reflect this past week on teaching – specifically teaching art. The question was easy for me to answer – what I enjoy most about teaching art are the students!

It is really fun and inspiring to see the joy and excitement  – yes, these are high school students – on students’ faces when they master a new skill. When their drawing, painting, or ceramic piece turns out just as they planned, or maybe even better, you can see the pleasure reflected in their expressions.

It is so rewarding to see these students grow as artists, which is another one of the joys of teaching art. I have some of my students for 4 or 5 semesters – Art I through Art V.  I told one of my Art IV seniors today –  as she was recalling an incident in class when she was a freshman – “You have grown into such a lovely young lady!” She nodded and we laughed together. She knew how much she had matured!

I feel such pride and fulfillment with my students even though I know it is THEIR HARD work that brings about success. The best teacher in the world is only effective when the students follow through and do their work.

I was basking a bit in the glow of some of the students’ recently completed art work. I was so proud of them. It caused my thoughts to turn to God and how He views us as His creation.

In Ephesians 2:8-10 ( NLT) Paul talks about the fact that God created us with a purpose.

⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰ 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.

It says in verse 10 – “we are God’s masterpiece.” WOW! I like that. Artists consider masterpieces works of art of highest quality that retain their value and high regard over a period of time. God looks at us that way!

God gets excited when He looks at us – His creation. Unlike my students who must work hard to do good art work, verse 9 assures us that God’s gift of salvation is NOT dependent on how hard we work -it is a free gift from God.

What a blessing to think about the joy God feels when He looks at us – worts and all – and sees His creation. God’s word says He is blessed.

As mothers and grandmothers we also get a glimpse of what God must feel. Aren’t we blessed when our children learn new skills and get excited about what they have accomplished?

The next time you feel pleased and joyful about something your child or grandchild has accomplished –

remember  – God feels that same way about YOU!

You are His masterpiece.