You are work of art

You are work of art

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams

Aging brings many changes physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally — in every area of life the aging process brings new challenges, opportunities and a desire to have a positive impact in others.

One area I have noticed a change is my appreciation for art. Paintings, drawings, photographs, poetry, plays, sculptures, movies, art in all its forms.

My interest in art was sparked during a trip to Rome, Paris and London some years past. Walking through the halls of the Vatican was breathtaking, no photo or description does justice to the paintings of Michael Angelo in the Sistine Chapel. The Eiffel Tower is amazing day or night. London’s Westminster Abbey, the final resting place for kings, queens and other ancient royalty — all unbelievably beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed the play The Hunchback of Notre Dame while in London . The Louver museum in Paris provides the opportunity to see life, love and the human body through a finer perspective.

I have also come to appreciate artists closer to home, who provide beauty, inspiration and tells of the simplicity of life through their works.

Carroll Cloar (1913-1993) was one such artist. He grew up just outside of Earle. His paintings and other works of art tell the story of his life. An amazing journey detailing the full range of human emotions and experiences.

Catherine Vaughn is another such artisan in the vein and perhaps even surpassing the works of Cloar in grasping the everyday scenery of life in the Mid-South. Catherine is a vivacious, outgoing and warm person. I first met her in her mother’s workshop — Alterations by Josephine. Catherine is talented beyond my ability to describe. Her mother, Josephine, is an artist with needle and thread, funny and friendly. Both women are gifted, talented and true blessings to our community.

Joanne Bishop from Olive Branch is another artist I appreciate. Her paintings are beautiful. I am blessed to have one she autographed for me. Her artistry is beautiful.

Rachel Adams, (daughter in-law) is also artistic as well as an RN. She helped her daughters create a prized piece of work entitled “Grandpa’s Garden” painting.

Brian Speed (1925-2015) “authored children’s books, a history of Crittenden Lodge No. 607, and collections of poetry, much of which related to his long residency in Earle, Arkansas. There, he served the community as an educator, elementary principal, director and curator of the Crittenden County Museum.” His poems of local people and places are especially meaningful to a great number of people. He was also a gifted musician.

Another painting comes from the gifted Catherine Melton Franks of Earle (1904-2002). Mrs. Franks passed on her artistry to her daughter Sue Ann Elms who is an artist with words, music, poetry and organi-a zation.

Artisans work with brick, dirt, wood, glass, pen and paper, whatever the substance, there is someone who sees what others cannot, they say what others desire to say but cannot.

Artists are gifts from God and without these good and talented people our world would be dark and dismal.

God spoke all we know into existence and called it “good.” He fashioned the human body and was pleased by His creation.

Too often we abuse and misuse God’s most perfect creation — the human body, soul and spirit. The human body is perfectly designed, created for beauty and has purpose and meaning.

Within each person lay unlimited possibilities to create. Within each human soul lay the Creator’s grand design, filled with purpose, passion, gifted to inspire and to encourage others.

Art is fashioned by the artist and this is God’s way too. We read, “But now, Lord, you are Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

Art is meant to convey feelings, emotions, purpose. Most often, I cannot see the finished work while in the hands of the artist.

This is the way of God, only He, the grand Creator sees the finished work and you are not finished till He completes you and places you in His home.

You are a work of art. He already paid the greatest price to redeem His works of art — see how valuable to Him you are. His house in heaven is being filled with people like you, consider what God said; “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; And by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4).

You are God’s master piece. He paid a great price

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.

for you and has great plans for you.