May
27
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A Work in Progress
This is another painting I discovered on my recent visit to the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minneapolis. It is a work in progress painted by American artist Charles Loring Elliott in 1850 of fellow artist and writer, Henry J. Brent. Elliott was considered the best portrait artist of his day and is said to have painted over 700 of them. According to artvee.com, his portraits “were never stiff, or clumsy, or cold; but gradually grace, and ease, and warmth, and high feeling, stole into the forms on his canvas….” Even in the unfinished state of our featured work today, we can appreciate the depth, character, and detail that Elliott intended to convey on the canvas.
When I saw this, I was struck by the realization of how beautiful something can be, even if it is unfinished. Along with this thought came relief because this artwork, with its incomplete brushstrokes and untouched areas, serves as a powerful metaphor for God’s ongoing work in each of us. We are all works in progress, continually being shaped and refined by the Master Artist—our Creator.
In Philippians 1:6, Paul talks about how God, who began a good work in us, will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. No matter how incomplete or imperfect we may feel, we can trust God’s hand is upon us, working in a way that brings us good and him glory. We don’t know the final outcome, but God does.
However, embracing our unfinished state requires faith and patience. Each setback, doubt, or struggle is part of the process. Each experience, joy, or sorrow adds to the depth and richness of the finished project that is you and me. Just as an artist knows the final vision for their work, God sees the entirety of our lives—our past, present, and future—and knows the beautiful masterpiece we are becoming.
Being Human connection: We are invited to appreciate the journey. We are encouraged to trust in God’s timing. We are all works in progress and that’s OK. God never abandons his work. Have faith in the brushstrokes of love, grace, and truth—God is creating something more beautiful than we can imagine.
Featured art: Charles Loring Elliott, Unfinished Portrait of Henry J. Brent, c. 1850, Minneapolis Institute of Art.