I recently visited the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Italy, where Michelangelo’s famous statue of David is housed. I was on a tour with other members of the Church and a non-member tour guide. As we entered the long hall, we first passed by several other Michelangelo statues in various stages of completion. The tour guide talked about these statues and how they give a special insight into “the master’s” methods. Michelangelo first saw the completed project in his mind and then gradually chipped away the undesired pieces of stone. These statues vividly display the process of becoming.
As we approached the magnificent David at the end of the hall, the tour guide continued by telling us about the marble used for the statue. Two previous sculptors had tried to use that particular block, both discarding it due to its poor quality, calling it “unsuitable for sculpting,” and the block was put into storage.Twenty years later, at the age of 26, Michelangelo volunteered to use the twice-rejected marble for his newly commissioned project. Under his inspiration and skilled hand, the now-celebrated statue was created.
With our understanding of the Plan of Salvation, each of us listening was overwhelmed as we related the words of the tour guide with the ultimate Master’s influence in our own lives. Jesus Christ sees past the poor quality of our present selves to our true value inside, chipping away until His masterpiece is revealed.
As we reach out to others, we can model the Savior’s methods by seeing them as he does, not accepting the idea that some are of poor quality and unsuitable but helping all in our circle of influence (including ourselves) submit to the wonder of the Master’s hand.
Sheri Gordon
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