The look in the old man’s eyes has hope even as he reminisces a life lived long and well. It reminded me of my Sunday school lessons about long life. The intention of this piece is to capture the inner feelings of the subject in a loose carefree style rather than the finesse of portrait drawings.
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“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:18, NASB) Whenever I see butterflies, God reminds me of the beautiful freedom He blesses us with. We may go through seasons where we feel like a caterpillar crawling slowly like a worm, or cocooned up and nothing seems to be achieved. Yet, these are seasons that the Lord is working deeply inside of us to transform us into His image to become like Him. The butterfly reminds me to see myself the way God sees me as my future self: From redemption to sanctification into God’s glorious presence. Christ in us our hope of glory (Col 1:27).
Our current challenges are a phase of life that will pass. It is necessary to complete this phase in order to move on to the next. Sometimes, this phase of life may seem “cocooned” – as though nothing is happening. Yet, a deep internal transformation is taking place. In due time, a beautiful butterfly will emerge, flying freely, pollinating and bring about fruit to others. You can become a blessing to others too, in due season. Do not give up on hope. Christ in us, the hope of glory.
“In view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)
Ephesians 3:18 (ESV) “may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,”
以弗所書3:18 (現代標點和合本) “能以和眾聖徒一同明白基督的愛是何等長闊高深，”
After the flood, Noah and his family gave thanks to the Lord with offerings as the Lord has saved them. God smelled the fragrance and was happy! He promised then to not destroy the earth with a flood again; He will see the rainbow and remember the covenant He made with us.
This artwork shows Noah’s Ark carrying the artist, Yik Han, with his father, mother, and sister, who are all hidden inside the structure. Animals are also depicted inside the picture, hiding within the Ark. Even though the young artist himself is not clear about the true meaning of Noah’s Ark, his artwork carries the great love of God that lies beyond his imagination. The artist’s optimism and happiness are illustrated through the smile that persists even in the midst of the heavy rain and storm – as he always believes that the sun will come after the rain. His artwork aims to deliver love and hope to all the people who need it, and also to encourage those who has lost hope to continue in hope with strong hearts and minds – to “smile through the stormy day”.