A couple years ago, we took Carsten to a store called, “All Fired Up.” It’s a shop where you can paint clay; then they glaze it, and put it in a kiln to finish it. You can tell the ones that haven’t endured the fire yet. They are pale and dull in color and are kind of rough around the edges. Actually, they are rough all over, inside and out now that I think about it.

But when they come out of the kiln, the artwork is bright and vibrant in color, and the glazed surfaces are smooth as glass.

I think, like the clay pieces, we too are not really the image God created us to be; at least not fully. I do think that as we endure the kiln that is this life, something happens to us. We become more of who God has intended for us to be. This year, be freed from the unnecessary and focus on the fact that you are unfinished. What is your next step toward completion?

PRAY THIS…

Creating and Re-Creating God, touch my eyes that I may see my neighbors and myself as accepted and loved by you. Free me from those things that hinder me from walking freely in the light of your love. May I be confident that as you complete your work in me, I am adored in your sight through Christ. Amen.

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@gmail. com.