I love those painting programs, where an artist is busy at work, trying to capture the character of a sitter. The rule imposed is that until it is finished, the canvas lies hidden from both the sitter and the viewer. But during the composition, the artist peppers the sitter with interesting questions, all the while, both discovering clues for their portrait, and entertaining the privileged viewer. Then comes the moment of unveiling, when there are breathy sighs mixed with quiet thoughts of admiration.

I sometimes think the same is happening with each believer, whose living portrait is being composed by their faithful God. During the sitting, which comprises a lifetime from beginning to end, there is the fascinating exchange of conversation – the believer scouring and devouring the Artist’s great table Book. Sometimes the Artist works slowly, and asks the sitter for a particular pose, which is difficult to hold and at times painful to endure. But all the while, brushing and scraping and detailing.

Then comes the end, when the canvas is turned, and the sitter is allowed to see the result. That of course is yet to happen for each one of us. Yet, I cannot hold that there will be groans and disappointments and resentments and rejections; but precisely the opposite. Admiring squeals of delight for an Artist who has proved competence in his craft, and wisdom in his composition, and skill to reveal his beloved sitter with a face revealing grace and eyes reflecting pure contentment.