As the artist prepares to begin his masterpiece, he resolves to create something unlike anything else he has ever made. Something so uniquely his. Something of which he can be proud. Something beautiful. Before his imagination escapes him, he begins to paint. With every stroke of the paintbrush, the artist rejoices as his creation begins to come alive. He slides the paintbrush over the canvas with purpose. Every line, every curve, every distressed streak, he creates with such meticulous intention. The colors blend perfectly, just the way he wants them to blend. They contrast in just the right places. The painting begins to take form. It’s coming alive. Its beauty can do nothing but elicit a smile on the face of its creator. It’s a smile that says, “This is beautiful.” A smile that says, “This is perfect.” A smile that says, “I cannot wait to present this to the world.” And it’s not even finished.
The artist continues to paint. And as the painting begins to near the finished product, he begins to speak to his work of art.
“You are so perfect. People may be tempted to insult me by looking at you and saying that you’re different. People may say that you’re not ‘normal’ or that you don’t look ‘right’. People may look at your imperfections and try to belittle my masterpiece, but take heart! I tell you the truth; your imperfections are what I love the most about you! It is in your imperfections that people can see the work of my hands. It is because of your imperfections that you are perfect. You are my masterpiece. You are beautiful. I created you with purpose. You are wonderfully, beautifully, purposefully, perfectly made. And you are mine.”
As he finishes his last sentence, the artist strokes one last streak of color on the painting and sets his paintbrush down. He gazes lovingly at his masterpiece, and he sees that it is good.