On the Fridge
Remember the joy of having your work displayed on the fridge as a kid? Not only did your parents like what you did, they decided everyone who entered the kitchen should see it, too. Whenever you passed by, you'd look up at it and smile. You did something good - something that is there to be delighted in.
From a technical standpoint, most of those things actually weren't all that great. None of my finger
paintings could ever compare to the masterpieces of Michelangelo. Nothing about my portraits were perfect: proportions all out of whack, eyes were never level, no one had knees, feet always splayed out. But yet, they were worthy of display. Some of those art pieces are still on display at my parents' house.
You know, it's the same with God. When compared to what God can do, the work we offer Him probably resembles the quality of those kid drawings most of the time. So imperfect. But given where we're at, so good. And our heavenly Father doesn't accept these gifts with a shrug and toss them straight in the trash saying, "That's fine, but I've seen better." He delights in us and in what we have given Him. He loves that we did this imperfect thing for Him. That we put in the effort to make something good. He will even put these things up on His "fridge." He wants others to delight in you and what you've given Him just as He does. Even if those on earth do not see, all those in heaven rejoice at the sight of the gift.
So, why the fridge? Well, the fridge is in the kitchen - the "heart of the home." The fridge is located in the place of highest traffic in the home. If you are a visitor to the house, chances are you will walk by the fridge at some point. If you live there, you will look at that fridge multiple times per day. So, naturally, that is where important family announcements go. And your good, imperfect work is put in such a place of importance to so it will be shared and praised.
But one question remains: if these works aren't the best thing since sliced bread, why the heck are they treated as such? They are an expression of love. The child put in effort to a task in hopes that it would delight the person they love. It was done in hopes that it would bring them happiness. And, in return, the parent receives this gift of love by loving their child in return. The parent not only recognizes the effort, but elevates it. The act of love is affirmed by a response of love. And the opportunity to share in that love is given to as many people in the house as possible by placing it on the fridge. It is all a gift of love, and love is definitely better than sliced bread.
paintings could ever compare to the masterpieces of Michelangelo. Nothing about my portraits were perfect: proportions all out of whack, eyes were never level, no one had knees, feet always splayed out. But yet, they were worthy of display. Some of those art pieces are still on display at my parents' house.
You know, it's the same with God. When compared to what God can do, the work we offer Him probably resembles the quality of those kid drawings most of the time. So imperfect. But given where we're at, so good. And our heavenly Father doesn't accept these gifts with a shrug and toss them straight in the trash saying, "That's fine, but I've seen better." He delights in us and in what we have given Him. He loves that we did this imperfect thing for Him. That we put in the effort to make something good. He will even put these things up on His "fridge." He wants others to delight in you and what you've given Him just as He does. Even if those on earth do not see, all those in heaven rejoice at the sight of the gift.
So, why the fridge? Well, the fridge is in the kitchen - the "heart of the home." The fridge is located in the place of highest traffic in the home. If you are a visitor to the house, chances are you will walk by the fridge at some point. If you live there, you will look at that fridge multiple times per day. So, naturally, that is where important family announcements go. And your good, imperfect work is put in such a place of importance to so it will be shared and praised.
But one question remains: if these works aren't the best thing since sliced bread, why the heck are they treated as such? They are an expression of love. The child put in effort to a task in hopes that it would delight the person they love. It was done in hopes that it would bring them happiness. And, in return, the parent receives this gift of love by loving their child in return. The parent not only recognizes the effort, but elevates it. The act of love is affirmed by a response of love. And the opportunity to share in that love is given to as many people in the house as possible by placing it on the fridge. It is all a gift of love, and love is definitely better than sliced bread.
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