I'll admit I've never really been someone who had much of an eye for art. Most of the time I can tell when I'm looking at a masterpiece, I guess, but beyond that, I'm a Philistine. The genre of art that is most mystifying, however, is more abstract, modern art.

It's hard for me to fathom the difference between my children's early finger-painting and a few of the canvases I've seen hanging in museums. I have a friend who collects modern art and I remember a painting of a dollhouse with legs! Really? Don't get me wrong. I know that there is great value in this art and there are people who are able to instantly determine what's real from what isn't. I wish I could do that.

Reminds me of Jesus' advice to his disciples when he told them "whoever has the ears to hear, let him hear." There is great value in hearing Jesus and being able to instantly determine what's real from what isn't. But it takes the same kind of careful attention and study to learn. One doesn't come to know anyone well without spending time together.

So, despite my artistic naiveté, I know that the treasures that come from knowing Jesus and experiencing his reality are far more valuable than any artwork in any museum-no matter the genre!