What Do Tatts Have To Do With Me?
Remember me? Because of one thing or another, it’s been quite a long time since I’ve written more than an email or a text. I needed a break for one thing. For another, sometimes it’s just hard to motivate myself to write. Who really cares what I have to say, after all? My son and his girlfriend recently told me about Steven Pressfield’s book, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, which is about just that kind of thing apparently. I bought it but haven’t read it yet. Maybe it will stir up something in me that’s been missing lately. We’ll see.
So, what have I been up to? Now that I think about it, I have been writing actually. I’m speaking at a Christian women’s conference in October, so any writing I’ve done has been in preparation for my talk. I feel kind of at a standstill until that event is over since I’ve concentrated so much effort into it. Between now and then, I’m practicing, so I don’t see myself doing much writing. I do want to share something I’m excited about though; hence this post.
You may not know that I’ve wanted to get a tattoo pretty much my whole life. Truly. I just didn’t have any idea what I would want to have permanently etched onto my body. When I was younger, the ubiquitous flower or butterfly on my hip held some appeal. Joe warned I should be careful, because over a lifetime that butterfly could become a condor. Funny guy. So having never been able to decide on a tattoo that would be meaningful, I’d never gotten one. Plus, I was kind of chicken to actually do it. All talk, no action….
Well, not anymore. In June I took the plunge! I now have a tattoo I love—one that means something to me and has a purpose. On the inside of my right wrist is a small cross and the words “it is finished” —recorded in the Gospel according to John as Christ’s last words on the cross before he gave up his spirit (John 19:30). Because of its location, I can see it constantly, and therefore, I’m reminded daily of Christ’s finished work on the cross. He paid the price, once and for all time, for my sin—all I need do is accept it. Nothing more than to believe in who Jesus is and what he did. It is finished.
Seeing those words all the time also helps me to live with an eternal perspective. They keep me focused on what matters. The Bible says this life is like a vapor, here for but a moment and then gone (James 4:14). And yet so many of us are focused on this very temporary life and rarely, if ever, think about eternity. I don’t want that to be me. I want to live this little vapor of life with my eyes on the prize, an eternity—eternity, can you even comprehend that—with Jesus Christ. If you have trouble visualizing the vastness of eternity, Francis Chan gave a great illustration. Click here to see it. I hope it makes you think about where you’re focused.
In the two months I’ve had my “it is finished” tattoo, a few people have asked me about it. And this is another purpose in getting it. It gives me an opportunity to tell people what it means. It opens the door to sharing Jesus Christ with others who may not know him or may not know him deeply and in a way that changes everything for them. I get to talk about Jesus and what he’s done in my life because of these three little words that will be on my wrist forever. I am keeping my eye on the prize.
Okay, so did it hurt? That question comes up a lot when someone sees my tattoo. Sure did, but was nothing compared to birthing two babies with no drugs—none, nothing, nada. I might even do it again…the tattoo, not the babies!
Well done Niki! I believe it has wonderful meaning and looks beautiful!
Thanks, Mary Rita. I truly love it, but I’m still surprised that I actually did it!
Love it !
Thanks! Me too.