I work at a university I dearly love. It is my alma mater and I have found my calling in my role and service to others. It is an exciting time at the university as a number of major building projects have begun almost instantaneously, all around us. I follow the social media channels of the university and many alumni are afraid. Will the builders follow the architectural patterns of the past? Will the new buildings blend in with the other gorgeous Georgia Colonial architecture? Having new buildings on the center of campus, will they be of the same standard as the others or become an eye sore? Even a petition has been launched online from a number of concerned alumni.

A major capital campaign for renovating the Campus Recreation and Wellness facilities began last year and should be available for use in the fall of 2024. Over Christmas break, construction began on a massive 513 bed freshman dorm, two new Greek houses and a 600 car parking deck. Beloved trees had to be cleared and garish chained link fences with red banners were installed. Fear and consternation are all around amongst worried stakeholders, employees and students. What to do?!?

I attended an employee meeting and our VP of Advancement and Marketing encouraged us all. She said the same, well respected architectural firm, which designed the original buildings in the late 1950s and almost every single building since is in charge. The son of the man who took great pains to follow every architectural code and style for Georgia Colonial has the reins. The son has designed a large number of the recent buildings and has done a superb job. The same family owned brick company, who has provided all of the bricks for the past buildings, is in charge of bricks for the new construction. The university even has it’s own named brick and it will be used. The question was asked, do you think these family owned businesses who have invested 70+ years into the design and beautification of our pristine campus would “mail it in” now? Would they risk their reputation and a lifetime of work on new dorms? The answer and assurance we were given is, they most definitely would not. We were all relieved when we heard the answers.

The thought of my own personal fears and anxieties came to mind. We are God’s “workmanship” and His “masterpiece.” Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The Greek word used here for “handiwork” is poiema. It gives us our English words for POEM and POETRY. It means “something made” and in context is something made by God Himself.

Timothy Keller asks “Do you know what it means that you are God’s workmanship? What is art? Art is beautiful, art is valuable, and art is an expression of the inner being of the maker, of the artist. Imagine what that means. You’re beautiful, you’re valuable, and you’re an expression of the very inner being of the Artist, the divine Artist, God Himself. You see, when Jesus gave Himself on the Cross, He didn’t say, ‘I’m going to die just so you know I love you.’ He said, ‘I’m going to die, I’m going to bleed, for your splendor. I’m going to re-create you into something beautiful. I will turn you into something splendid, magnificent. I’m the Artist; you’re the art. I’m the Painter; you’re the canvas. I’m the Sculptor; you’re the marble. You don’t look like much there in the quarry, but I can see. Oh, I can see!’ Jesus is an Artist! And you beloved are His crowning achievement, His masterpiece!'”

God’s reputation is on the line with our lives. In the midst of much change, He won’t let us go and give up on us. He keeps His promises. He is working and active to conform us and make us into His image. The pain, hurt and devastation in our lives will NOT be wasted. Do not give up. God has you and will not let you go. “Each of our lives is the canvas on which the Master is producing a work of art that will fill the everlasting ages with His praise.” (John Phillips)