When my husband and I were in Brugge, Belgium several years ago, someone happened to mention we ought to see a statue of the Madonna with the infant Jesus at the Church of our Lady, one of very few sculptures by Michelangelo found outside of Italy. There are a lot of statues all over Europe, and we’d already seen a number of lovely works of art. How different could this one be?

I’m happy to say we didn’t pass up the opportunity, because the statue truly does stand out among so many other notable works. The marble itself draws the eye—it looks so smooth and perfect, timeless, really. And the detail in the faces makes it almost seem as if they’re not made of marble but are real people.

Art may be subjective, meaning one person’s favorite might only lift a shoulder of indifference in another, but however we see perfection, however we define “the best” there doesn’t seem to be much doubt that “the best” does exist, in countless categories. Once the best has been done, all everyone else can do is just admire it and not try to do one better. We may create something else with our own stamp upon it, but excellence is hard to top.

Excellence is an area that reveals God to me. Art may be an imitation of life, but it also reveals one of the ways we’re created in the image of God, with a natural inclination toward creativity. I can only imagine the joy God must have felt when He created the variety of fishes and birds and animals we see around us today. This vast assortment of creatures inhabiting our earth, combined with an abundance of natural wonders just waiting for us to explore, seems to me evidence of a creative God who took pleasure not only in creating such beauty but someone who clearly intended us to enjoy it as well.

I’ve started a Pinterest board that reminds me visually of God’s great variety of creation. Maybe taking a peek at it will start your week with a blessing! Click here to visit my “Proof of God” Pinterest board.