Sitting under Michelangelo’s Creation in the Sistine Chapel has got to be one of the most inspiring experiences of my life.  Visiting the Vatican Museum in November of 2009, we were so blessed with no lines (at 10:00 a.m. I told my travel buddy, ‘we can do the Chapel, the Raphaels – 2 hrs max.’ NINE hours later, we had a hard time leaving!)

Watching the “The Agony & the Ecstasy” with Charlton Heston & Rex Herrison a month before the trip provided a bit of welcomed context. (We still joke around the house, “when will you make an end?”… “when I am finished…”) Michelangelo is prodded along by Pope JuliusII; sometimes quite forcefully. In my favorite scene, Pope Julius (who regularly leads troops in battles to protect the church,) sneaks a peak at the ceiling and can’t get over how Michelangelo sees the face of God as a loving Creator.  Great movie re: art, faith & inspiration…

Back to the Sistine Chapel…since we had plenty of time, after getting quite a neck cramp, I whipped out my journal & jotted down inspirited thoughts..

The Creation…  Touched by the Hand of God: Touched by the Love of God …Naked we come into the world: Naked we stand before God our Creator

It seemed as if God was saying,

Receive My love anew, to BE My love anew…

 Open your heart, beloved child, and receive My love anew. 

Let Me create in you a New thing…

Beloved, Beautiful Child.

Trust Me and do NOT be afraid – (I’ve been in this creation business a long time!)

Now I try to pray this each day – that God would pour out His love anew in the heart of this clay pot, that I might BE His love anew. Not an easy task, to be sure (that’s why this prayer gets repeated LOTS!) Guess we can also ask for grace, joy, peace & wisdom anew, too.  God has an infinite store!

grace, peace & Inspired Art

Virginia