Black Scratchin'
I'd like to describe a simple art lesson I learned a couple years ago that has become a poignant wisdom lesson as well. Let's call it-- black scratchin'.
In my art class for the drawing challenged, we once took a paper plate and colored the middle circle with crayons using bright bold colors, leaving no spots bare. I could handle that, and it looked pretty enough for me. Then we were told to take black tempera paint and cover it all up--sad but true. This, too, was an easy task. Once that dried we were instructed to take the other end of our little paint paint brush and gently remove as much black as we wanted to in order to let the color come through in whatever design we chose. It was great. Scratch the black and let the beauty shine through, in many ways more beautiful than ever against the background that h snuffed out all color.
My world seems much like that art project. God painted this earth with beautiful bold coloring, the perfect blend, a harmonious design. Sin, our sin, covered the once glorious picture with a coat of black. Now, we have a chance to change that.
Jesus was born into a world of darkness. As he lived out his life in this dark world, he scratched away the blackness everywhere he went. He made so much progress that those in power in a dark world saw to his death. It turned out to be their worst mistake because God resurrected his Son and made it possible for His Son's Spirit to inhabit all who would believe in His life and resurrection. Now, there were hundreds and thousands and millions with the power to scratch away the black.
During this holiday season and throughout the year, we can all have a daily purpose--scratch the black. Even scripture itself makes it clear that we'll never succeed in removing it all until Jesus returns. But, until he does, we are empowered with the privilege of removing a little bit of black everyday, creating a more beautiful picture than we saw the day before. A kind word, a small donation, a timely visit, a card or letter, any sacrifice of self for the good of the world is worth the effort.
Every scratch is - a splash of color- that ruins the gloomy landscape of a sinful world.
About the Author:
Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.