With All My Art (and crafts?)

This is a painting my mom did of my son when he was 4 years old.

This past Thursday, I attended a luncheon with my mom to accompany her while she sang a song and did a painting demonstration. She also shared some scripture and a little devotional. I came home and re-read the scripture. I had never heard this particular passage before and was fascinated by it. As a musician, I recognize that the Lord has given me certain talents and abilities to bring others into His presence. However, it never occurred to me that arts and crafts would be considered a talent worth making a big deal over...you know what I mean?

Now, I'm not an artist by any means, not the kind like Monet or Van Gogh. My mom, on the other hand, might fall into that category. Just look at some of her work! My artistic abilities are limited to preschool levels and the yearly christmas ornament that I give to family members.

After reading this scripture though, I began to think about it. Now, with my music, I try to play my best for Him every Sunday morning, evening, and Wednesday evening. I also have an annual commitment to provide arts & crafts for the preschool department at VBS. I actually stress over what in the world I'm gonna do with these children for one week every year. Why? Because I actually wondered how important really are the arts & crafts? Why not teach the children songs and scripture to memorize....to be implanted into their little brains and resurrected later in life when something triggers a memory? Why the big deal over arts & crafts? Because, well, as my mom put it, Exodus 35:30 - 35 and Exodus 36:1 gives it a little more meaning.

My bible is an NIV and this is what it says,

Exodus 35

30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,
31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all
kinds of crafts—
32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,
33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship.
34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.
35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers,
embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers— all
of them master craftsmen and designers.

Exodus 36:1 So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded.

Mom's painting demonstration and recitation of this scripture stirred something within me. Feelings about whatever we do, we should do for the glory of the Father.

Here's another devotional that I really liked and agree with on the topic.

Our Daily Bread - With All My Art

I guess I could say that this is another one of those things that make me go, "hmmmmmm".