A woman walks into a gallery. It’s one of her favorite places. As she browses among the artwork she comes upon the owner. He is in the back corner working on a new sculpture.

He’s been so engrossed in his work that he hasn’t closed the shop. He has been working on this same clay for months. Tonight, he adds the final touches. Sensing her presence, he takes a step back, inviting her to take a closer look.

As she begins to study the piece, starting at its base, she is amazed by his attention to detail. She wants to reach out and touch it, but she isn’t sure he’d look kindly on her hands touching his newest creation. She refrains.

As her eyes continue to follow the contours of the sculpture she notices the blemishes. He sees them, too. He remembers how each one came to be. He does not hide them. Each imperfection tells a story about him. Each one contributes to the splendor of the finished work.

As she looks on, a well of emotion springs up within her heart; A longing for beauty, for connection.
She traces the shoulders, neck, jaw line and as she finally meets its eyes, a sense of familiarity creeps into her heart, a déjà vu of sorts.

She knows those eyes. They are her own.

She is the masterpiece he has been working on.

Stunned, her eyes glistening with tears, she looks at the Artist. And in that moment, she realizes…
He knows her.

She is The Beloved.

I am The Beloved. And so are you! We are works in progress. We are imperfect.  We are clay marred in the hands of the Potter. But we are His! YOU ARE HIS!

Be brave. Believe Him!

For we are God’s [own] handiwork …recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them …
Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)