THE LIGHTNING ARTIST by F. L. McCallum

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Apr 10, 1907

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 15.

THE LIGHTNING ARTIST.

By F. L. McCallum

[F. L. McCallum, in Triumphs of Faith.]

A "LIGHTNING artist" working in a window on one of the main streets attracted our attention one evening, and we paused to watch him.

Beneath his rapid touch was growing a sunset picture, the golden glow of the sky reflecting on the water beneath, making it give back its rich warmth of color. Truly a golden picture,—one could just delight in its beauty. Then lo! in an instant the artist stretched forth his hand, discarding the brushes he had been using, taking what seemed a knife, and dipping up a dark mass of paint, daubed it on one side of the glowing, gold-reflected water.

Instantly I felt a disappointment as if the harmony of the picture was destroyed,—but with skilful strokes, the dark patch was evolved into an island, bearing shrubbery and blossoms.

I went away carrying the memory, not knowing what it would mean to me.

Shortly there came into my life a fiery trial from which only God could deliver. While holding still after the fierce flame of the furnace, there was brought to mind the remembrance of the sunset picture and the dark paint,—also the beauty which sprang therefrom,—and I knew that the artist working away brought before me not only a picture, but God gave a lesson; out of seeming loss may come possession, out of defeat may come victory, out of discord may grow harmony, for the Great Artist who is touching our life can bring "beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning."