Beauty for Ashes

Okay, so last week I was in Costa Rica (I know, I know, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it.) Anyway, as we were driving from plant to plant (work plants not green plants), I was enjoying all the gorgeousness of the countryside that surrounded me.
I mean, there were flowers everywhere, of all different colors, shapes, and sizes. Then there were these rocks that someone had painted, on the side of a mountain, just off of the CURVY, MOUNTAIN roads. The paintings were beautiful, but I couldn't help think about how dangerous it was to sit there to actually paint one. Because in some cases the rocks were located at the bottom of a steep incline, in the midst of a sharp curve. Let's just say, if it was me painting, I'd be praying that the cars coming had good breaks and the sense to use them properly!
One day we actually even saw the lady painting, and I noticed she kept a watch out. But as I looked at all those paintings and thought about how beautiful things come from painful situations. I mean, I'm sure that lady enjoyed painting, but it can't be comfortable to kneel in the sun, on the rocky ground, constantly watching to make sure some runaway car isn't headed your way. It took discomfort on her part to make those beautiful paintings.
And it made me think of how many times we as God's children put ourselves into very painful situations. We do things against God's will. We disobey His commands.
But just as that lady used her brush to make ordinarily gray rocks into a beautiful display of color, God uses our failures to make us into stronger Christians. He teaches us lessons about His grace and forgiveness. He shows us how to come to Him to overcome temptation. And most of all He shows us that no matter what, He is always there.
God can make something beautiful out of any situation. The question is whether or not we choose to allow Him to. As for myself, I can't wait to see the beauty He can make from my mistakes.