Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Excellence in the arts. You know that the Mona Lisa and Chopin’s Piano Etudes qualify. But how do you judge the arts when the artist is…your own child? Today on Home School Heartbeat with host Mike Smith, our guest offers some guidelines.

Mike Smith:
I’m joined again today by Mark Hamby, founder and president of Lamplighter Ministries. Mark, in these days, it can be a challenge to identify, let alone cultivate, the fine arts. Last time you offered a definition of fine arts. Today, would you give us some characteristics of excellence, when it comes to the arts?

Mark Hamby:
Mike, as I shared last time, my first encounter with a Rembrandt painting released a torrent of tears that led to an overwhelming moment of worship. Once when I was touring at the MET in New York City, I stood in front of eight-foot stained glass doors crafted by Louis Tiffany, again tears began to flow because I had never seen beauty like that before. Can you imagine what it will be like when we see the beauty and majesty of God for the first time?

I get excited about this subject because this is our mission here at lamplighter. You see, fine art needs to extend into all areas of our lives. The way we design our houses or design a room, our landscapes, the foods we prepare for meals should all be fine art, or the finest art forms. I wish you could see what some of the meals look like in our home; we often take pictures before we eat. What is needed in the Christian community is the image of God in us. We were created to be the image bearers of God. Our life and work needs to reflect the beauty and excellence of our creator God.

Mike:
Mark, that’s both inspiring and very practical. Thanks so much for joining us today! And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.