The Angel In The Marble

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

-Michelangelo

     I came across that quote in a book I read a couple of months ago and it's been running through my head occasionally ever since. I instantly loved it, probably because it has something to do with angels. I find it very fitting to think about this Mother's Day too.

     It makes me think a lot about my relationship with my kids. Envisioning the great men they have the potential to be is humbling and puts me in my place as far as buckling down and being their mother goes. These years are crucial in their carving and I play such a big role.

     However, the carving works both ways. Whether they know it or not, I feel their chisels chipping away at me quite frequently. It's kind of funny to imagine it actually. Random chips and chunks they're making with their toddler-like chiseling, but somehow they have the potential to make a masterpiece. I pray to have the humility and selflessness to let them.

     I've also thought similar thoughts about my relationship with Jayce. We're both carving each other as well and it's a wonderful thing. Marriage is truly divine.

     All of these thoughts that circle around in my head ultimately leave me thinking about my relationship with Heavenly Father. That, of course, is a one way carving. All of these elements in my life, my children, my husband, they are just the tools the Lord is using to carve me. He is the master carver here and he has the perfect picture of the angel in the marble he's working on because he perfectly knows what I have the potential to become. 

     I wish I could remember that more often. It gets hard when I picture what my sculpture must look like now. I imagine it looks nothing close to angelic at the moment. :-) I feel like there should be caution tape up around it too. Or hazard signs? Haha, let's just say I got a long way to go until the angel is set free!

I love these little carvers and although difficult, I appreciate the carving. Happy Mother's Day!