I had to fight a crowd just to see it. Ducking and weaving, elbows up, inching forward into any small space I could find, I was determined to view what was ahead. Flashes were happening everywhere, as travelers of all ages and nationalities took snapshots and selfies of a coveted woman known around the world. So much respect and love for a masterpiece. 

It was the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci warranting all this attention. I am fortunate to have seen the original work of art while traveling in Europe this summer. I learned the work is valued at 100 million dollars, and the history surrounding it is both intriguing and mysterious. 

I love art, and viewing works like the Mona Lisa was a dream come true; but I am not a remarkable artist. My daughter, though, has artistic talent. Blakely is constantly developing her craft by watching videos on how to draw, attending art classes, and making wish lists of art supplies. I keep all her creations because they are amazing products I have watched her work so hard on. I am always in wonder, as she labors through the process of making something beautiful. Her creativity, attention to detail, and love for what she produces are attributes all artists encompass, even Leonardo DaVinci. And while I am not calling my daughter the next da Vinci, there is something Leonardo, Blakely, and God have in common– creating works of art. 

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 

The Greek for “handiwork” is poiema. Poiema means, “That which has been made,” with a strong connotation to the arts.

It is so very important we view ourselves just as God does, a masterpiece. We must realize that He is the Potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8)– making us works of His hands! Imagine! Just like any artist, God thought about us before we were even made (Psalm 139:16). He paid attention to every little detail (Jeremiah 1:12). And when He was finished He loved what He created! (Genesis 1:31)

But seeing ourselves as God does can be difficult in a world Satan sneaks around in. We are told lies about our appearance and are encouraged to judge based on looks. We admire a painting worth millions, then call ourselves worthless when we peer in the mirror. That is not what God wants for us. 

After turning 30 last year, looking in the mirror has been something I have struggled a bit more with. I gained weight. I have wrinkles beginning. Sun spots. Cellulite. It’s all happening full force, ladies! And I sometimes struggle to see the masterpiece God created. But when I lose sight of the work of art God made in me, I back away from the mirror and run straight to the Word and remind myself. 

And as I watch my sweet girl at the kitchen table, drawing away while I write this, it becomes suddenly clear how very important it is to model and teach her just what a valuable pieces of art she is. That I begin now to deflect what Satan would prefer she think, as she grows up in a world that is forgetting who the ultimate Artist is. 

I want to challenge us all. To be kinder to ourselves when we look in the mirror. To be kinder to others we see each day. And to teach our children we are all masterpieces and to treat each other as such. We are more worthy than any Mona Lisa. The respect and love that piece of art receives should be nothing compared to how we see each other.  

We are God’s handiwork, that which has been made by Him. Thus, we are never worthless, but named by God as priceless! (Isaiah 43:4)