I witnessed my first craft artisan in San Antonio on a cold, wet December evening. As I pressed my 9-year-old nose against the display window, the artist mesmerized me with her gold leafing process. Patiently and carefully, she pressed paper-thin sheets of hammered gold onto a primer-prepared picture frame. Hand-foiling the gold pieces individually, she brushed each layer onto a simple picture frame before adding another skin of gold. As I stared, the scarred vintage frame transformed into a beautiful work of art in her hand.
“Who dares despise the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10 NIV)
As we move through this season of high expectations and low efficiency, I’m encouraged to reread these words. In the Hands of my Master, my small kindnesses, encouraging prayers, and gentle actions add a layer of value to the lives around me. However fragile my attempts may be, the skill of the Creator gilds my fragments into treasure.
Zechariah’s words encourage me to remember that I’m not the designer. It does not depend upon me to make sure that my grieving friend is comforted or that my children are spiritually grounded this month. Each is His handiwork, not mine. I’m merely a willing accouterment in His vast supply of resources.
Are you overwhelmed with busyness and insignificant productivity? Do not despise the day of small things. In God’s Hand, you are enough. Are you struggling to make Christmas memorable for your family? Do not despise the day of small things. Though your obstacles loom large, your Father’s resources are even more significant. Are finances limiting your hopes for giving? Do not despise the day of small things. Our Artisan specializes in breaking the few loaves to provide for many.
God chooses the small, weak, and insignificant things with which to build His Kingdom (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Focus upon the infinite skill of His handiwork, not upon our personal handicap. Your halting words may be the layer of gold someone desperately needs. As you enter Christmas week, don’t despise these days – even when they seem crammed full of “the smalls.”