On this day in 1911, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Widely regarded as the most famous painting in history, the “Mona Lisa” was painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1503 to 1506 in Florence, Italy. Featuring the woman with the mysterious smile, the painting is 20 7/8 inches by 30 inches, oil on poplar wood, and resides in The Louvre Museum in Paris, France (unless it has been stolen). Its value is considered to be priceless. No wonder people get upset when the “Mona Lisa” is stolen!

Have you ever wondered why some art is considered valuable while other art is not? What gives something value? The oil, poplar wood, and paint that make up “Mona Lisa” didn’t cost much—so the painting is worth much more than the artist’s materials and tools. Certainly the quality of the art and the identity of the artist have a lot to do with its price.

Do you know that you are priceless, too? You are much more valuable than the chemicals and other ingredients found in your body. You have value because of your Creator. That’s right. The Bible tells us that God created human beings (including you) in his image (Genesis 1:26, 27), that he formed you and watched you before you were born (Psalm 139:13-16), and he continues to work in you, making you more and more like his Son (Romans 8:29).

Get the point? You are priceless—certainly much more valuable than any work of art, even the “Mona Lisa.” It’s as though God has your picture on his refrigerator—he’s so proud of you.

So smile, be confident, and celebrate! You’re something else!

“Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are” (Matthew 6:26).

To Do

Today, look for birds. Every time you see one, remember God’s love and your value . . . and thank him.

Also on this day . . .

1902—In Hartford, Connecticut President Theodore Roosevelt became the first President of the United States to ride in an automobile.

1906—The Victor Talking Machine Company began to manufacture the Victrola record player.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).