Artists, looking at a landscape,
See two things: the light and dark.
They must choose which part to dwell on–
Colours bright, or blackness stark.
What the artist looks the most at
Is the part that he portrays.
It’s the one he puts to canvas.
‘Tis the one on which we gaze.
Though it’s only half the picture,
We receive it as the whole.
We believe in his depiction
And it does affect our soul.
You and I, my friend, are artists.
(Though at first you may think not.)
For our struggles are our landscapes:
Our words paint the views we’ve got.
We may focus on our hardships,
Splashing blackness through our talk.
Making dark the lives of others,
So they see not where to walk.
We may focus on the sunshine,
Speak of blessings on our way.
Spreading golden blobs of gladness,
Painting Jesus, every day.
You and I, my friend, are artists.
Showing partly what is there.
And our views–what we think most of—
Is the picture we prepare.
Let us make a brilliant picture—
Let us paint our Saviour’s face!
By our actions, words, and motives,
Let us paint redeeming grace.
– Aneta Reuter
