Christian Photographers Community

The following is a modern day parable into which are woven many lessons.  I wrote it several years ago, but it is still applicable to us today.


   The news is out! People everywhere are talking about Mr. Godson, a fabulously wealthy individual, who has purchased several blocks in the heart of town.  Now heading the Downtown Beautification Project, he announces plans to bring new life to the inner city.  Some abandoned, neglected buildings will be renovated and restored.  Others destroyed, the filth and debris of wasted lives cleared away and, to replace the ashes, he promises unsurpassed beauty.
   Imagine my amazement when Mr. Godson asks me to help!  Amazement swells to pride as my mind races.  He plans a mural on one particular building located at the very hub of the downtown area.  It towers above the city skyline and immediately captures the attention of all who approach from any direction.  Obviously Mr. Godson heard of my talent and chose me because, without a doubt, I am the best, most gifted person available.  From his vast resources, he tells me, he will supply whatever I need to work for him.  My assignment is to paint a foot and sandal on the side of his building.
   Working toward urban renewal is not my idea of glamorous, but I find consolation in knowing my work will merit worldwide acclaim.  At last, recognition, praise, and opportunity for even greater glory are within reach.
   Before long, however, a strange humility overcomes me.  As my lofty dreams begin to crumble, I feel insignificant in the light of the huge project before me.  All pride drains away, my heart seems crushed, even bleeding, as I fall to my knees.  I gratefully accept the invitation to be part of the plan that will bring beauty to a desolate community.
   Arranging the various brushes, tubes of paint, thinners and wiping cloths to begin work, I remember the assignment.  A foot?  What purpose can that possibly serve?  Certainly a foot is not exactly beautiful, and I really don't do feet very well.  I'd rather paint horses.  Using these same colors I'll paint a horse instead.  Mr. Godson will surely be impressed with the gorgeous palomino, mane and tail flowing in the wind, racing acros the side of his builing!  On second thought, perhaps it's better to do as I was commissioned.
   "Hey! What's goin' on?  Why are you messing around that old building?"
   A rough voice calls from the gathering crowd of onlookers.  Crowds always form to watch any attempt toward change.  They seem to come from nowhere.  The idlers, the curious, the criticizers and those who just fear change--for better or worse.  Seldom are individuals identified, preferring the anonymity of the crowd.
   "The new owner wants a mural painted here.  He asked me to work for him," I call back.
   "Who are you?  What makes you think you can do anything worthwhile here?"
   "Clean up this slum?  It'll never happen."
   "It's been tried before, it won't work."
   "We've been here a long time and don't appreciate outsiders making changes."
   The shouts and jeers continue throughout the day while I work in the heat and stench unique to a decaying society.  At length someone steps forward with a new curiosity.
   "So, you're working on a mural.  What exactly are you painting?"
   For a moment I lose patience with this show of ignorance.  Is it not perfectly obvious what I'm doing?  Why can't they understand the importance of my work and the impact it will have on their lives?
   "My commission is to paint a foot and sandal," I explain.  "It may not look like much now, but in time everyone will see, and there will be no question of my ability or the quality of my work."
   As time passes so does my enthusiasm.  The onlookers disperse in search of other diversions, and I am left to labor alone.  I am tempted to give up.  It hardly seems worthwhile to work so hard for so little reward.  Surely there are other outlets for my talents, places where I will be warmly received and appreciated.  A sudden flash of inspiration leaps in my heart.
   Instead of a sandal why not paint a boot?  After all, here in the midwest, a fancy cowboy boot is far more appropriate.  My critics have already noticed the lifelike appearance of the foot I have been painting.  What will they think of a sandal?  Certainly not the normal or expected type of footwear for this audience.  But, once again, I remember the task assigned by the chief architect.  He is the one I must please.  I will do what he wants me to do, and paint the sandal.
   One day, the task nearly finished, Mr. Godson returns.  He seems pleased with my work, and says so.  He comments about such details as the leather grain of the sandal, the flesh tones and natural look of the foot.  Then, placing a hand on my shoulder, he directs me to lay aside my brushes and walk with him.
   Reluctantly I follow, there is a sense of completion here and I am to move on.  Recalling the disdain I once had for this place and its people, it surprises me that, while laboring among them, my heart has softened.  Knowing the futility they feel, understanding the emptiness of their life, I've learned compassion.  Now I want to stay and reach out with whatever means possible to bring light into their dreary existence.  Mr. Godson leads me away from the city.
   After walking some distance in silence I wonder when or if he will speak again.  Then, once more, I feel his touch.
   "Now turn and look at the place where you were working."
   There, rising twenty stories above the city, a compassionate Shepherd reaches toward suffering humanity.
   Tears stream down my cheeks.  I stand speechless with the magnitude of the scene.  The work I had considered mine alone is but a small part of the whole picture.  All the while I felt alone and unnoticed, countless others were working on the same project.  Together, each fulfilling his commission, we have shown Christ to the world.
   The portion of the mural I painted is true and accurate, yet different from work done by anyone else.  None of us is wrong, we just each have our own task to do.  Jesus is only revealed to a desperate society as everyone works together.
   What if I insisted on doing what I wanted to instead of what he wanted?  My selfish desires for fame and applause would totally ruin the master plan.  Suppose I listened to the taunts and criticism and quit before my work was done?  Someone would not have a true picture of Jesus.
   It's easy to become engrossed in working for the Lord and lose sight of His plan.  Take time to step back occasionally, glimpse the greater picture, and see where we each fit.

  I love this story Ms Jane.

Thank you, MI ... How are things going for you today?  I love you  

And our Lord has an even bigger picture upon which He has every one of us working.  We usually see only what is directly before us.  But what we do in our small part affects some one else, who affects someone else, etc.  And historically - what we do now may have some small impact here and now, perhaps an even smaller impact later, etc.  It all fits into the perfect mural He is making.  I pray I may do my tiny part faithfully.

Thanks so much, Jane.  

Our Lord never stops working His perfect plans, does He?  Oh, that we might be open to do His will and allow Him to work through us.  

Yes, each of us plays a small part but He is in control of the whole big picture.  I pray that I'll be willing to do my little part that He has planned for me to do.

Oh, Hi Al!

I didn't see you there.  I think you and I were reading together!  

QuoteIt all fits into the perfect mural He is making.  I pray I may do my tiny part faithfully.

Amen, Al!

Thanks, AL and PAT ... I set it all up in the first paragraph.  Notice the name of this "fabulously wealthy" individual (He is the King of Kings) Mr. God-son!    He indeed purchased our salvation (redevelopment of the "heart"), and plans to bring new life ... beauty for ashes ... (I love to play with words!)    He has commissioned each of us to work for Him ... and He supplies all our needs!  If we decide we know a better way to do our task, or we become "weary in well doing" and quit ... or allow criticism or nay-sayers to discourage us ... or feel we aren't getting enough recognition .... well, you know the story!      There are always those who come to watch our efforts and tell us how it won't work, etc...but are they doing anything to help?  Not likely.  Some even seem to enjoy seeing failure ... they don't like change.  

Great story Jane. You are very talented. I love the message here.

Thanks, Marilyn.  The women at our meeting yesterday all got a copy and we read it and discussed the message(s) each of us got from it.  They said they wanted to read it again and again because each time they read it they saw another message that applied to their life.  I'm sure this is something that can go on and on ... Sometimes, the Lord tells us it's time to move on and leave the place where we've labored for a while ... maybe we've finally come to the point of accepting our task and even like it, but He says it's time to go.  There are also times when we don't hear anything from Him and wonder if we will ever hear His voice again ... The last thing we heard from Him was "follow me."  ... What a relief and joy it is to once again feel His touch and hear His voice!  

I am going to reread this again. It was a very inspiring story and had such an humbling effect on me.  Thanks Jane.

Oh, Jane......I'm so glad you posted this for all of us to read.  You know I have a copy already printed out, and as we discussed at our meeting, I can see another lesson each time I read it.  I guess that's what parables are for.   I wonder how many of us feel almost forgotten in doing what the Lord has said to do...when all the time we are doing our part to create the Big Picture, which is Christ revealed on earth?   I have been guilty many times.  God is so gracious.  So forgiving.

Yes, KATHY, I understand completely.  How often we get all puffed up with pride because "He has called ME!"  and then come humbly to our knees to think that HE wants to use me ... then, before long, there's that pride rising again ... back and forth we go.  Happens all too often.  I want to just do the next thing He asks me to do ... and by doing what he asks, and nothing more or less, I will be fitting into His Master Plan for all humanity.

Yup, NITA ... You know how I feel about this.  God is so loving and forgiving and so many times He lets us start over again and He never gives up on us.  How neat it would be if we could all do what He asks "right" the first time ... all of us working together (or allowing Him to work through us) to show Christ to a world of hungry and thirsty people.  This is our commission...  doing what He asks.

Nice work Jane!
There are two ways that we sometimes receive a work to do from Him.
We accept and feel so proud of getting the chance to do something, or like saul we feel afraid and unworthy and try to hide amongst the baggage, "Here I am Lord, send my brother."
Or again like Jonah, run in the exact opposite direction! lol.
May we always accept the task and ask for strength and humility and power to complete it !
Regards, and again,well done,
Chris and Margit .

Jane, this is a wonderful parable!  It really speaks to my heart, as an artist, I could empathize with every feeling expressed.  You have a great talent with words, and may God continue to bless you as you strive to serve Him and follow His leading.  Love you!

Good thoughts, Chris and Margit.  Thank you.

Janet~I am not, nor do I pretend to be, an artist but I can see how this would really speak to you.  You are such a talented artist!  

I guess this can apply to any of us...each of us...in every part of our life.

Jane, you mentioned to me about a poem?  Did you post it?  Or did I misunderstand?

No,  I haven't posted the poem, Pat ...  

This parable is so humbling.  Really brings you to your knees.  Thanks, Jane, for sharing it with us.  You are a great writer.  Very colorful words that puts us right there.  

Thank you, ETTZ...  

Jane, I just came back to re-read your parable.  It is SOOO good!!

Aaahhh, JANET ... Thank you for being so kind.  Have you noticed you get a different "take" each time you read it?  That has to be the Lord.  I love Him so.....  

Yes......reminds me of another BOOK!  PTL!

Jane I have returned by way of your link to re read this  awesome  account of the Big Picture.

Thanks, Marilyn.  We all need the reminder that we are not alone, nor the star, ... each of us has a place and a part in the big picture.  From where we are we cannot see that.  Sometimes we just need to walk away for a while and get a glimpse of God's plan.

Jane, thanks for the reminder link.  I do love this parable and I remember I was so touched the first time I read it.  Kim liked it too.

Thanks, Nita.  I really appreciate your (and Kim's) feedback. God knows what each of uc needs in way of encouragement ... you have been an encouragement to me ... Love your