Howard Carter in front of Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus

He is probably the most famous archeologist of all time. No, it’s not Indiana Jones. This is Howard Carter who made one of the greatest discoveries the world had ever known in 1922.

In the 6th grade we watched a film on Carter’s adventure. The title sequence is forever burned into my brain. Emerging out of the darkness comes the death mask of King Tutankhamen, the long lost Pharaoh of Egypt whose tomb had been sought after for centuries.

Never had I seen such beautiful craftsmanship and such enchanted style, color, pattern and GOLD. My love affair with all things Ancient Egyptian had begun. But more importantly, in that moment I could see my life’s purpose. I wanted to use my artistic talent to create stunning work like this. I wanted to do it more than anything in the world.

I look back and realize just how special that moment was. Not everyone is given such a clear glimpse of who they could become. I knew I would be an artist FOREVER. Though I have seasons of doubt, I’ve really never really left the artistic path. I have HC’s discovery to thank for being a spark that ignited me as a child.

As an adult I am growing to appreciate Howard Carter for a different reason — his tenacity. After 6 fruitless years of digging in the desert, he was able to find what could not be found. He was determined and persistent. He simply would not give up and it paid off.

This is a helpful reflection for me now as I focus on building an art career. The work is slow. It is hard to imagine working for years without any significant success. The ultimate lesson here: KEEP GOING… there is beauty still to come.

A Scripture that inspires lately a persistent mindset in the face of doubt, trial, and slow-going is this:

Those who walk the fields to sow, casting their seed in tears,
Will one day tread those same long rows, amazed by what’s appeared.

Those who weep as they walk and plant with sighs
Will return singing with joy, when they bring home the harvest. — Psalm 126:5-6