The sculptor approaches the cold, gleaming white marble

With his tools, he begins fiercely slashing and cutting 

Huge pieces fall to the floor

Soon it is unrecognizable as its original self.

Eventually, the tools change

The work becomes more delicate

But transformation continues to take place

Now it’s the smaller things--

A square block carved into a head.

One can now see that the stone is becoming a man.

It is now recognizable as such 

Yet the artist does not back away

He continues to work

He continues to whittle, to mold.

If the statue could speak what would it say?

“Please stop! The sacrifice is too much

I can’t take it anymore

Please stop, I have arrived

People can see that I am a man

That is good enough

Just leave me be.”

And yet, the carver continues

Again his tools change

Now the work is even more intricate

Transformation does not stop

There is still more work to do.

The artist’s vision is far more grand,

He is not looking for the ordinary

He wants nothing but the best for the stone carving

He is not satisfied until it is made perfect

It is not the marble that changes itself,

The change is the work of the Master.

God is the sculptor

I am the stone.

God is the potter

I am the clay.

He cuts it all away 

Until what remains is Christ in me.

Lord, it is sometimes scary to say

but I mean it with all my heart

Less of me, more of you!

Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER

Bonnie Kotler loves to laugh and considers laughter as the best medicine. (Psalm 126:2) She is a licensed professional counselor at The Peacemaker Center and has her own private practice, True North Counseling. Bonnie and her husband, Mitch, have two daughters, three sons, five grandchildren, a 125-pound mastiff and three grand-puppies.

 TO COMMENT ON THIS BLOG 

Write your comment, click POST COMMENT, fill in your first name (other fields are optional). Click COMMENT AS GUEST. There is no need to login. 

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IF:2021 — JOIN US ON MARCH 5-6

IF:Gathering 2021 is a FREE two-day virtual event featuring some of the most influential Christian speakers in the world, including Jennie Allen, Jo Saxton, Jamie Ivey, Christine Caine, Bianca Olthoff, Jackie Hill Perry, Lysa Terkeurst, Isabel Garza, Latasha Morrison and more. Watch the video trailer.

Click here for more information on the schedule and three ways you can participate this year: IF:Gathering 2021

Join us virtually on March 5 and 6. Click HERE for your free basic pass.