Masterpiece Puzzle

by Heidi McLaughlin

February 2010

“What outrageous creativity, I can’t imagine a human mind designing and crafting such magnificent beauty.” I know my eyes were big with excitement as I shared this delight with my husband Jack in the Louvre Museum in Paris. During our exploration through the exquisite, historic landmarks in Paris, I was often overwhelmed with joy as I lingered over incredible masterpieces that had been created and fashioned by human hands.

As my mind pondered over the concept of masterpieces, it brought back rich memories of another lingering moment several years ago. Jack and I were visiting Ken, Janice and our grandsons, Brendon, Alex and Ryan who live on Vancouver Island, in a distinctive home overlooking the picturesque Georgia Strait. After a noisy, laughter filled supper hour, my step-daughter Janice and I went for a walk along the ocean. We were deep in tender and intimate conversation about her mother; who had died of cancer. We talked about death, but also about new life and hope that people bring us. At one point she stopped and looked me in the eyes and said, “Heidi, I have learned to love you so much, can I call you mother”? I was startled because I never expected to hear those words-but overjoyed because I did. I embraced her and replied, “I would be so honored if you would call me mom.”  Between lapses of gentle silence and moments of chatter, our steps slowly took us back to the house and reality; but I know our hearts were still warm and tender from what we had just experienced.

Time passed and Janice kept asking me questions, “What colors did I love; what were my favorite fabrics; what kind of designs did I love.”  I knew she was up to something!  Two years later a box arrived and I was eager with anticipation. When I opened it, I unfolded the most magnificent hand-made quilt I have ever seen.  Raspberry colored silk with handmade rosettes covered this stunning piece of art. A masterpiece. To me this was not just a quilt; it was a tangible expression of a labor of love. A visible object that said, “I accept you as my mom, and I love you.”

We are a stunning work of art.

Here is an outrageous observation. The bible uses the word masterpiece to describe you and me. Listen: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Eph. 2:10 NLT).  I can hardly believe it when I read the descriptions of the word masterpiece: “work of art, work of genius, stunning success….magnum opus.” 

You and I are not an accident, after-thought or duty.

You and I were created as an object of God’s love; we are not an accident, an after-thought or duty.  We are created as a gorgeous piece of a stunning master plan. That kind of love leaves me puzzled and breathless. 

I may never fully comprehend the mystery of how I fit into God’s magnum opus plan, but I will keep learning and asking God to teach me and show me how to experience this kind of love.  If I dispense this magnificent love to just one person every day, I believe I will fulfill my single piece of His magnum opus puzzle.