God's Child at Play

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GOD'S CHILD AT PLAY



PLAYING, HARD-PRESSED
WORSHIP IMPRESSED
WORK UNEXPRESSED
FREEDOM UNPRESSED
That’s what’s going on today.

I’m playing with my wonderful computer graphics-making program –
A pursuit I so love to do! Create bright designs,
Mix swirls, diddle with colors and shapes.

God the Creator of All Things made me to be an imitator of Him.
Therefore, it’s part of my nature to be creative.
Is it okay, then, to take time to make – or look at – beautiful things?

When –
THE WORLD’S ENFLAMED
THE NEWS IS DEFAMED
THE PEOPLE ARE BLAMED
AND CHRIST IS RE-FRAMED
Into impotency, today.
Oh, woe!

So, do I have a right to “play”?

There are people starving,
Those who’ve never heard the gospel “good news”,
And not enough dedicated missionaries to speak of it all.
Global economy is bitter,
Natural resources are ravaged,
Not enough money for fuel in winter.
Wars and rumors of war,
Natural disasters and toxic spills;
And predictions of apocalypse.
Oh, woe!

Should I not expend my limited energy
By somehow lending a helping hand?
Might I be a peacemaker or a compassion-consoler?
Write helpful letters, or give away food?

Oh, how can my art make a difference for the people
And places of the world, helping to usher in what Jesus proclaimed:
“I am the light of the world.”
“My kingdom is not of this world.”
“In the world you have tribulation, but I (Christ) have overcome the world.”

And here I sit, “playing” little arty games.
Am I showing signs that I’m overcoming the world?
Sometimes, taking time to work on art makes me feel guilty.
Ought I to be doing more for others?
How else will they know the love of my blessed Savior?
Oh, woe!

But, “They also serve who stand and wait”.
And there is the strong power of prayer!
Communion with Almighty God.

WORSHIP UNFURLED
WAITING ON GOD CURLED
PRAISES TO HIM HURLED
OUR IMAGE OF GOD GIV’N THE WORLD.
No woe!

We need “playing” when it becomes worship.
Making beautiful things may bring new vision to the hopeless,
And bright colors might lift sad souls out of depression.
And a quiet time with God may freshly empower me.
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

May I always play His songs (and not discordant expression)
Through the instrument He’s given me of creating art.
And may he get all the glory, not me!
Let me never forget I’m God’s child at play.

(c) 2012 by Marilee Miller

This post is also shared with "Seedlings in Stone"
and "The Wellspring"