Happy Monday. “Just suppose that we could be sure of final victory in every conflict and final emergence out of every shadow into brighter day.” –Henry van Dyke

Aren’t bright sunny days great. Our moods are lighter it seems. However, I’ve heard it said that “all sunshine makes a desert.” Not so good.

Overcast, cloudy days can be nice also. We linger longer over that cup of coffee, don’t feel as much need to hurry.

It’s on such days I often get my easel out, a canvas, oils or acrylics, and paint.

As I squeeze paint on the palette, I choose red, green, blue, and my favorite, yellow. But there must be some brown, black, gray—dull, shadowy colors.

For a painting to take on depth, meaning, character, there must be shadows.

The book Basics of Oil Painting states, “Shadows have a magical effect, power to set the mood. They serve the artist.” So true.

The Master Artist has each of us on His easel and He knows exactly how much light and shadows are needed—the colors to make a masterpiece.

There will be shadows, dark tones, but they serve the Artist.

As I think of people that I consider great whom I have known, without exception, they are happy, fruitful persons whose lives have been tested.

From where did the greatness come? Psalms 91:1 gives me an idea that they were dwellers in the secret place of the Most High and under the shadow of the Almighty. His shadow gives safety, refuge.

My husband very often quoted a song that was meaningful in his life.

“Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus.
He’s a friend who always cares and understands.
Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find him,
And you’ll know him by the nail prints in his hands.”

Max Lucado says, “You hang as God’s work of art, a testimony in His gallery of grace.”

And He hasn’t finished yet!