Hello ,

 

R. O. Blechman is one of the most famous illustrators in the world. In his recent book, Dear James: Letters to a Young Illustrator, he shares a series of letters that he wrote to a younger fellow-illustrator. In one of the most poignant letters, Blechman addresses the reality of failure:

 

Preliminary drawings and sketches often are discouraging things, pale shadows of one's bold intentions. Seemingly nonsense, they're especially dispiriting for beginners ... 'Is that what I did,' the novice might ask, 'and I consider myself an artist?! ... Speaking for myself (but also for other illustrators, I'm sure), my trash basket is full of false starts and failed drawings ... There should be a Museum of Failed Art. It would exhibit all the terrible art that would have ended up in trash bins and garbage cans, lost and unknown to the public life.

 

What if there was a museum of failed attempts at spirituality?  

 

Would your failed attempts hang on the wall of the museum next to mine?  I can't count the times in my life when I have promised God that THIS TIME I wasn't going to fail; that THIS TIME I was going to be strong, only to discover (usually quite soon after making the declaration), that I hadn't fulfilled my sincere promise.

 

"And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, 'The old is better.'" Luke 5:39

 

A quick look into Luke 5:39 shows us that this verse was spoken by Jesus Himself.  He knows that we will sometimes fail.  He knows that we will often have false starts towards a deeper spiritual walk with Him.  He recognizes that living for Him is a journey, and that the struggle is a sign of life.  

 

Lord, help me to remember that just because I struggle, it doesn't mean that I don't have a relationship with You.  Guide me in Your way, and lead me forward into today.  In Jesus name, amen!

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word