Committed to Excellence

The paintings seem serene. The reflection of light on calms waters. Images caught at sunset. The sky and trees. Boats and cathedrals. And his beloved garden, filled with lilies. This is the legacy of Claude Monet. Born in Paris in 1840, he became known as an “impressionist,” with a unique style of capturing impressions.

His paintings became popular in his lifetime, and have remained so since his death in 1926. Yet, the reality was that these paintings often were the result of struggle. In fact, Monet was insecure, and prone to frustration and despair.

Monet himself described painting as “an unremitting torment.” He told a journalist, “Many people think I paint easily, but it is not an easy thing to be an artist. I often suffer tortures when I paint. It is a great joy and a great suffering.” But the results were masterpieces that have stood the test of time.

Many other artists (as well as composers and writers) have a similar story. Men and women who were driven not to accept clichés but create works of excellence. To go the extra mile. To work hard until they are satisfied with the results.

In the spiritual realm, many are content with mediocrity, willing to go along with the crowd. To do the minimum and what seems popular. But others feel God’s call to go higher. To probe deeper. Not to accept shortcuts but follow God, wherever He leads.

Jesus taught us not to walk on the broad ways, but to seek the narrow way. And not to be satisfied until we have received His blessings. To know that we have been faithful.