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