It was during my time of healing. Well, really before I got serious about it. Preparing for a half marathon consumed my time and my thoughts. I was also finishing my undergrad degree, taking a fine art class. It happened to be ceramics.

In the midst of all this, in walked conflict. She came in the form of relationship difficulty. Really serious relationship difficulty. It was torturous. devastating. disappointing.

My daughter was also experiencing some difficulty at college. One morning as I drove the children to school, I shared with her how special she was, that she was perfect just the way she was. As I shared these truths with her, a dream I had the previous night came back to me.

In the dream:

A guide brought me to an observation area. All around me was black, but not the inky black of total darkness. Rather the grey black of lights put out for the beginning of a production. In front of me was an observation window and behind the window was an artisan.

He sat at a wooden bench with a single light bulb illuminating his work space. His gaze intent on the work in his hands, he meticulously shaped, formed, balanced his craft. His hands were large and gentle, wrapping around the object with loving care.

I watched in rapt attention. Never had I seen anyone work with such devotion, such obvious love of his craft. What was this person making? I couldn’t even begin to imagine the value of such a prized object.

I turned to my guide and asked about the artisan and his craft. He smiled wordlessly, and turned back toward the artisan. I looked back with curiosity to watch and then I knew. I knew! The artisan was Jesus and he was crafting me. I turned to the guide, the question hanging in the air. Smiling gently, he shook his head “yes” and turned back to the artisan.

For so many days I had struggled. If only I was…more this, less that…

This dream spoke volumes to my bruised and bleeding heart. I was exactly as I should be. I didn’t need to change one thing about myself. I am carefully and thoughtfully created to be precisely what my Father wants me to be. I am not an afterthought, a mistake, a prototype. I am the real deal.

And so are you! Your life is beautiful to Him. He loves exactly who you are and what you are about. You delight him and he sings songs of praise over you!

Maybe you are tenderhearted and quickly moved to tears. That’s exactly how God wants you to be! Perhaps you see things more logically and problem solve in practical ways. Excellent! God wants that. Musical? Great! Crafty? Wonderful! Analytical? Organized? Industrious? All great qualities in the hands of a loving Creator!

This week I look forward to sharing some special scriptures with you as well as some music that really speaks to my heart. My prayer is that you will know that you are deeply loved! Father has planned good things for you to do because he knows you need to be purposeful.

Until next time…

May the Lord bless you and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

Numbers 6:24-26