Artist Commentary: Jesus promises Paradise to the repentant thief. We tend to think that when severe trials come we will suffer with the same courage and love as Jesus did. Or, perhaps as the "good thief" did. Yet we often find ourselves reacting to trials in the manner of the unrepentant thief. Within our hearts is the potential for all three responses. In life's difficulties we are refined and tested, our hearts are revealed to us, that we might turn and turn again to the One who died for us on the Cross. If we do not succumb to bitterness or despair, or run from what we must learn, we will be with Him "this day in Paradise."