“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.”
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/eph.2.10.nlt
I went for my morning run a few hours ago. It’s Valentine’s Day today and I can see some couples running and some even wearing matching red shirts! “Awww…so cute!”, I thought.
I did a self-check: “I’m okay. I’m at peace.”, I told myself. I can’t help but smile. ? You see, from the many years that passed, I never liked this day because I was bitter (bitter daw o! ?) – it brings back bad memories and resentments, and now, my long distance relationship with my husband. But today, it’s different. I am at peace, happy and secured in love because I know Jesus loves me and that’s what matters! But wait, there’s a big bonus – my husband loves me, my children, friends, family – I am loved. They love me for who I am – farts and all! ? and I love them just the same.
And you, my friend, you are so loved, too. God didn’t create us in assembly line nor just on a whim. Every strand of our hair is numbered and He calls us by name. And because of Jesus’ victory on the cross, we are created anew, equipped with everything we need to fulfill our purpose for His glory.
So I painted this after my run, soaking in His love for me which brought me to this place of contentment, peace and joy. That despite my weaknesses and failures, His love is BIGGER than all of my mistakes. It is also a reminder for us who have been hurt many times, to always come from a place of kindness and look at each other through the eyes of Jesus.
You are so loved.
To make the butterfly:
- Sketch lightly on watercolor paper
- Wet the inside of the sketch.
- With a wet brush, start painting the warm colors (pink, yellow, orange). Allow the paint to move freely.
- Then drop the cool colors (I just used dark blue here) and let it mix with the warm ones creating different shades of green, purple.
- Let it dry thoroughly before writing the verse.