Imagine being blindfolded and taken into a room,   shown only a square inch of the Sistine Chapel.  You had no idea where you were,  you only saw an inch of color.  It doesn't make any sense.  You may see a lot of different colors, or maybe just one.  There is no way to determine the magnificance of the masterpiece by the one square inch.  Maybe,  you are allowed some information,  that if the rest of the inches were revealed,  you would see something so achingly beautiful that you would weep at the glory of it.  That truly a gifted artist spent years developing his talent and this was something that was born out of love and sacrifice.  Something done because of great compassion for sharing a gift with the world.

So often,  I feel like only one inch is being revealed, the masterpiece of my life.  It doesn't make sense.  I may see bright colors, happy times, joyful times.  Sometimes, the harsh blacks and greys.
And, then, often times,  a lot of solid, plain colors.  They do all make sense in some way to the master.  As in seeing one inch of Michaelangelo's work,  knowing about the brilliant artist, allows you to trust that whatever is not being revealed has got to be amazing, because, the artist is known for his great work.

This year has been a year of interesting "inches".  First, a husband's car accident with 7 broken bones.  Next,  my daughter moving to a different state, taking 4 grandchildren with her!  Then, my husband's company being sold, resulting in unemployment.  Now,  I am taking a trip to Vietnam with a very eclectic group.  I see many different colors, and I can't imagine how they will all fit together in this masterpiece,  but I know the artist.  His work is ALWAYS good.  He works out of love and compassion.  He has given and sacrificed so that we can enjoy the beauty of his gift.