Watching paint dry!

You often hear people say that something was like ‘watching paint dry’. That usually means it was not very exciting.

In the last week however, I have discovered that watching paint dry is a very compelling activity. I have been painting black walls, and try to make them light colours. Little did I know it would take six coats of paint, and still not be quite right. And one of my learnings has been that a wall can look not bad, till you give it another coat, at which point the wet paint makes it look more streaky than ever. And then every 10 minutes, as you watch it dry, it changes, until 4 hours later it stabilises, and you can decide whether to do the whole process all over again.

Other thing I have learned, do not drip paint in a trail across the floor, as it takes so long to get off.  There is a myth that if you put extra paint on your brush, things might be expedited more quickly, but only if all the drops don’t fall on your head. A particular favourite is do not stand on wall paper paste, as then your shoes start sticking to the floor! Remember also to change your painty clothes before you go out, as you look like you have a badly co ordinated multicoloured coat. I do love it though when people look at you and say ‘have you been painting?’.People’s insight knows no limits!

During this process, I have learned a lot about myself. I am so impatient- I so want the paint to dry. I am an optimist- this tme it will look better. I would also rather do these things myself- who wants to share their painting mishaps with other people?

I believe God wants to teach us through all we go through in life. For me, He is teaching me to be more patient, to be a little more realistic, to sometimes invite others to share in small disasters. And to be a bit more cateful when I am painting!

I love the information in Ezekiel chapters 31-4, about all the master craftsmen and artists who worked in metal, wood and jewels to make the ark, furnishings and priestly garments beautiful for God and for a place of worship. There is such care in doing this, and we are told that Bezalel and the others were guided by the Holy Spirit. There is a sense of reverence in making things that are fit for a God of holiness and love.

When we are being creative, in painting, woodwork, or craftsmanship of any kind, we are to dedicate what we are doing to God. We don’t always get to contribute to decorating a place of worship, sometimes it is just our home, but we still want to make our enviroment as cosy and hospitable as we can, with meaningful photos, pictures and colour.

Even watching paint dry, can be part of that process of creativity and design!

Creator God, You created the heavens and the earth, with such a rich variety of shape and form and colour, and formed all creatures, and even human beings made in your image. We are amazed at the ethereal worksmanship of Your hand, the vivid imagination shown in the complexity of all things, from a ladybird to a leopard. Lord Jesus, the Carpenter from Nazareth, may we take every opportinity to design and create exquisite enviroments that reflect your glory, and may your Holy Spirit help us to be innovative in sharing Your love with others in a myriad of ways. May our churches and our homes be places that speak of Your love and reflect your splendour. In Jesus, name, Amen