Have you ever seen an object that spoke to your soul? One that drew you closer, calling you to listen?
Let’s back up just a bit. For years, I’d harbored a deep desire to watch the art of glass blowing. I’d read about it and seen it in movies, but seeing it in person hovered near the top of my bucket list. The beauty of blown glass amazes me and makes me wonder: How is molten glass shaped into gorgeous and often useful pieces? How are colors added? What tools are used to perform what seems to me to be magic?
Last week, while enjoying a long-awaited holiday on Vancouver Island, I may have mentioned (more than once) that I’d love to visit the glass art shop just a couple of blocks from our rented cabin. My husband, my sister, and her husband graciously agreed to stop and check it out.
But it wasn’t just an art shop. As soon as we entered, I looked past the beautiful creations to the work area. Joy flooded me like the best kind of hot flash—they actually made the pieces right there! When the lady at the desk said the artist would begin his next project in a few minutes, I foresaw another dream coming true. We wandered through the small shop, exclaiming over the intricate details, graceful shapes and exquisite colors.
As promised, within minutes we were treated to a display of skill and artistry as the glass blower transformed a misshapen glob of molten glass into a lovely, multicolored vase. I was enthralled. I think we all were.
It was as wonderful as I’d hoped. Even better, though, was the glass art that spoke to me as I wandered through the enchanted shop. So much beauty! One could not rush, as each trinket and piece outshone the others. I thought I’d seen it all, when I glanced down. A basket on the floor held several glass hearts, swirls of color making them seem somehow alive.
As I gazed at them, my hand reached down and picked up one. It seems fanciful, I know, but it seemed as though it chose me. I knew immediately what it represented.
Within the thick, clear glass, this heart’s top portion is green, the color of life. The bottom part is a rich yet delicate pink, symbolizing love. Binding the two is a sparkling swirl of gold dust. Gold for grace, faith, and hope. And because it's glass, it's fragile and needs a gentle touch. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23). How amazing is that?
How the artist achieved this stunning work of art is a mystery, and now I hold this mystery in my hands. It is my birthday gift from my wonderful husband, one I will always cherish.
I’m convinced the entire experience was orchestrated by my Lord Jesus Christ, not only to show His love, but to remind me of the glorious riches of the mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
P.S. The photo doesn't do this precious heart justice, as reflections mar the image. May we always reflect the beauty of Christ, letting Him shine through us.
Let’s back up just a bit. For years, I’d harbored a deep desire to watch the art of glass blowing. I’d read about it and seen it in movies, but seeing it in person hovered near the top of my bucket list. The beauty of blown glass amazes me and makes me wonder: How is molten glass shaped into gorgeous and often useful pieces? How are colors added? What tools are used to perform what seems to me to be magic?
Last week, while enjoying a long-awaited holiday on Vancouver Island, I may have mentioned (more than once) that I’d love to visit the glass art shop just a couple of blocks from our rented cabin. My husband, my sister, and her husband graciously agreed to stop and check it out.
But it wasn’t just an art shop. As soon as we entered, I looked past the beautiful creations to the work area. Joy flooded me like the best kind of hot flash—they actually made the pieces right there! When the lady at the desk said the artist would begin his next project in a few minutes, I foresaw another dream coming true. We wandered through the small shop, exclaiming over the intricate details, graceful shapes and exquisite colors.
As promised, within minutes we were treated to a display of skill and artistry as the glass blower transformed a misshapen glob of molten glass into a lovely, multicolored vase. I was enthralled. I think we all were.
It was as wonderful as I’d hoped. Even better, though, was the glass art that spoke to me as I wandered through the enchanted shop. So much beauty! One could not rush, as each trinket and piece outshone the others. I thought I’d seen it all, when I glanced down. A basket on the floor held several glass hearts, swirls of color making them seem somehow alive.
As I gazed at them, my hand reached down and picked up one. It seems fanciful, I know, but it seemed as though it chose me. I knew immediately what it represented.
Within the thick, clear glass, this heart’s top portion is green, the color of life. The bottom part is a rich yet delicate pink, symbolizing love. Binding the two is a sparkling swirl of gold dust. Gold for grace, faith, and hope. And because it's glass, it's fragile and needs a gentle touch. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23). How amazing is that?
How the artist achieved this stunning work of art is a mystery, and now I hold this mystery in my hands. It is my birthday gift from my wonderful husband, one I will always cherish.
I’m convinced the entire experience was orchestrated by my Lord Jesus Christ, not only to show His love, but to remind me of the glorious riches of the mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
P.S. The photo doesn't do this precious heart justice, as reflections mar the image. May we always reflect the beauty of Christ, letting Him shine through us.
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