This morning, as I was reading through several blogs that I follow, I stumbled across this news story on Tim Elmore’s website.

Here’s a brief summary from Tim’s post:

Thomas Schultz bought a house in New York, and noticed it had a stack of paintings in the garage. They were paintings by a little known artist Aurthur Pinajian. The previous owner suggested Tom should just “throw them out.” He assumed they were worthless. Instead, Mr. Schultz and a friend asked if they could purchase the artwork, and did so for $2,500. As the Huffington Post reported, “Well, it turns out their decision to buy Mr. Pinajian’s art stash along with the house was a good one, as the collection has now been valued at a remarkable $30 million, according to the Wall Street Journal. Individual works have already sold for a whopping $500,000, and now the abstract impressionist artist’s works are on view at a gallery opened by Schultz, as well as in Manhattan’s Fuller Building.”

This story stuck in my mind for a couple of reasons.

First, Tim related this to what I do as a youth minister. And he’s right. In order to train the next generation, we must see something of their potential and value. As I look into the faces of the students I lead, I can see where they might be ten years from now. That one may be a minister. This one might be a missionary. She might be shining her light in the public education system. He might be leading others to Christ though his law firm. I can see where God may be leading them.

But I think there’s a whole other, deeper level, that we need to look at because of this story as well. You and I are dads. We have kids that are much closer than just from a youth ministry perspective. One of your top priorities, and mine, is to see the potential in our own kids. You and I need to be able to see the masterpiece that God created through you.

My daughter wants to be a missionary. My son has mentioned ministry. Another daughter loves animals, and want to be a vet. What works might God be doing in their lives? And how can I help them reach their full potential, and follow God as closely as they can?

I think that’s the real masterpiece in this story.

Be deliberate, Dad!

What are you going to do today to invest in your own personal masterpieces, your kids? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.