When
God instructed Moses to construct a place, a tabernacle, in which the
Israelites could worship Him while in the desert, He gave an
invitation to the people to join in with the gifts He'd provided for
them. Craftsmanship, materials, precious metals, and design abilities
to name a few. And so,
“All
whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and
brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the
materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its
rituals, and for the sacred garments.” (Exodus 35:21, NLT)
An
invitation came my way recently. It began with me wanting snacks for
my tummy. I got a feast for my soul.
One
evening last week on vacation with my hubby on the Pacific Coast of
the Olympic Peninsula, we set out for a walk to the little grocery
store. I glanced ahead and my heart skipped a beat. You know when
that late afternoon light hits and everything goes golden? My view of
the western sky was blocked by some foliage and buildings but up
ahead I could see the cabins were aglow. It was almost like I was in
a dream and unable to make my feet go faster so I could see what was
happening out there.
And
then! And then! I was past the blockage and I wanted to dance. Oh, I
did dance. With my iPhone camera. The views at Kalaloch are always
beautiful but this was spectacular. The low-lying clouds had rolled
up like a stage-curtain that had then gotten stuck and the sun poured
through the slit in red and gold profusion.
As
I snapped picture after picture, I felt like God called out to me,
inviting me to participate with Him in creating art. This stretch of
beach and bluff, the trees, the sky, all His creation beyond our
comprehension. And it was a privilege to be there, to respond, to
find angles and perspectives, to create.
It
was never clearer to me than in that moment, and I hope to carry that
realization forward, He is always inviting us to participate in His
creation. Photography, writing, teaching, whatever the gifts He's
given, we get to create with Him.
