The pencil marks of life: Releasing perfectionism
Whenever I have visited The Art Institute of Chicago, I've always experienced a sense of delight like a kid walking inside a candy store. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed seeing the beautiful paintings by world-renowned artists. These paintings looked picture-perfect in their fancy, gold frames hanging on the grand museum walls. However, I recently discovered a painting that was different than the rest.
The painting is called “The Dessert” by the French artist Cezanne. To my surprise, I noticed the visible pencil marks around the fruits he painted. At first glance, the painting looked like a rough draft and not as perfect as the other paintings. How can a painting with pencil marks be displayed in a prestigious art museum? However, when I’ve reflected about my own life sometimes, I’ve asked myself a similar question.
How can someone like me with my imperfections or “pencil marks” be used by God?
Over my lifetime, I’ve seen God’s sovereign hand and experienced His faithful love in my life. Through my imperfections and weaknesses, He has gently humbled and guided me through His Word and the encouragement of a community of believers.
I realized that the “pencil marks” God has allowed in my life were a way for me to depend on Him and draw closer to Him. Ultimately, He has a plan for my life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
I read the explanation on the wall next to Cezanne's famous painting. The pencil marks were intentional. Cezanne intended them to be part of the overall design of the painting.
God may use our “pencil marks” to gently guide us to the right direction of drawing closer to Him as He paints a beautiful plan for our lives.
Scripture for meditation
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
Prompts for reflection and journaling
How has God used a “pencil mark” in your life to draw you closer to Him?
Where have you seen God’s sovereign Hand and experienced His faithful love in your life?
Continue your devotion with a daily practice in the Dawn app
Get the Wake up Call email for weekly mindful faith inspiration
