Coral, yellow & blue in swirls and patches danced a top the canvas...
the ocean's waves were rushing up against the thick white sand in a burst of foam... the colors of the sunset reflecting in the water. A large palm tree curls upward in a sculpt like figure close by, it's leaves sprawled out in a giant green umbrella of shade. A grassy hill stands in the distance, tiny pops of fushia, orange and purple tropical flowers grace it's border.
It was brilliant.
His easel was sturdy; stuck down in the wet sand. His hands were steady, capturing as he said, "the essence" of the moment. He moved quickly and carefully brushing on the last finishing touches to his masterpiece. He could try quietly to remember that moment, that perfect moment. He named it simply, "Sunset".
My eyes shifted up and down taking in the beauty again as I strolled in the art gallery. I was frozen in front of his beautiful work. I could almost go back there, to that beach in that very moment. I wanted the beauty, the essence, the color.
As I reached down and lifted the tag I read the price.... $1500.....
I knew it was out of my price range and rightfully so I suppose, I mean he was a genius; this I could not deny. I certainly knew I would never be able to bring back such vibrance even in a photograph! I ran my fingers over the canvas, the sand seemed real enough to feel, the water almost wet. I wanted to be in the painting.
I felt a surge of disappointment that I would not be able to keep that moment for myself.
Wait a minute! What was I saying? Wasn't I there? I watched his hands, his brush strokes capturing the beauty of it! Capturing the beauty of what is free...
Woah....
It was then that I stepped back, how could I buy what was freely given? I was humbled in a split second. I am a fool.
It is a sunset. It is a beach. It is an island. It is free. It is earth. It is creation.
And now I take a vow. Everyday of my life from that day forward, I will watch God paint his sky and
never a day in my life will I have to pay a cent for it.
Because creation it is a gift.
In a sunset, in a tree, in the ocean & sand, in the grass, in the clouds... it is a gift.
Try as we may to imitate God's perfect and beautiful gifts... well let's face it... it's all we can do.
The original is priceless.
Thank you Jehovah for this beautiful gift we call home.