PUT YOUR CRAYONS BACK IN THE BOX

Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like if we could turn back the clock of our existence?   What if we could be “little children” again?   I’m going to choose age five because at that age I loved to color.  My mother always seemed to have coloring books available for my sister and me.  A book and crayons kept us occupied for hours at a time.

Secretly, I still like to color.  It’s not a regular routine, but a friend of mine gave me an “Adult Coloring Book” filled with Bible verses, flowers and beautiful things to “color in,” in the attempt to reduce stress, or at least get my mind on other things.

If you’re an adult reading this story you might wonder why in the world I, as a full-fledged adult, would be talking about putting our crayons back in the box.

Let me begin with some words that describe what we adults attempt in planning out our lives.    Plan, orchestrate, anticipate, worry, manipulate, organize, develop, push, and agenda our lives to the point of “tilt.”   I’m a type “A” personality, but through God’s intervention, re-direction, and continued character-building, I’m now more of a “C+.”

The arena of “organization” is one area in which I love to live and move with enthusiasm.   I love to organize!    My heart pumps faster if I’m given a messy house, garage, and drawer or file “to organize.”   You may think to yourself, “Now that’s a fine quality.”   Well, it can be if deployed in the right direction and with the right “manager.”

When I became a Christian (a follower of Jesus Christ), I yielded my life over to Him.  But as the months and years went by, I realize that I was only beginning to understand what making Jesus Lord of my life really meant.

Belonging to the Lord Jesus means “He calls the shots.”   He’s the CEO of your life, the Manager, Director and The Orchestrator.   Scripture reminds me over and over that God is Omniscient (all knowing), Omnipresent (present everywhere), and Omnipotent (all powerful).  He alone is Wisdom.   He alone knows what is best for us, in all circumstances. 

But if I’m blatantly honest, I sometimes forget those characteristics of God, and when they do come to mind, I neglect to embrace them.

“Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established,”

Proverbs 4:26

God is asking each of us to “trust Him” to direct and establish our lives (our steps and circumstances), and not to attempt to try and understand or manipulate everything that happens to us.    Much of my stress can be self-induced when I attempt to try and understand things that happen.   I may never understand all the segments of my life.   And God reminds me that I don’t need to understand….just trust Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding.  But in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.  Proverbs 3:5-6

When we moved to Australia, it was a HUGE move with MAJOR ADJUSTMENTS in every personal department of living.  My “why” questions kept rising in my heart.  I wanted to know the “reason” God moved us to this country.   The information I was seeking to know was not really necessary, because God had His own reasons and purpose.  In our life journey on earth, we’re told to live moment-by-moment and day-by-day, following and trusting God.

My aim was to know the facts and reasoning behind our physical and emotional upheaval to relocate 7,384 miles away.  Somehow I thought if I knew the “whys and purpose,” I could then draw and color my own plans accordingly.  I’m not great with surprises, so I like to plan ahead…..way ahead.  When I anticipate something is about to happen, I get my crayons out and begin to “color in” all the “ifs, buts, and contingencies” just in case things don’t pan out as I planned.  

My coloring goes crazy when I try to piece relationships that are coming together as I wonder if God might be opening up a door of opportunity; or, I might wonder where this event or circumstance might lead to new and exciting adventures.  

Can you see where I’m going with this crayon exploration?   I’m trying to figure out God’s ways……that from my vantage point aren’t understood.  Understanding isn’t necessary or the way of peace in God’s itinerary for my journey.  

Aren’t we glad God is rich in mercy and kindness to His children?   He tenderly reminded me of this fact:    that the detail of the journey was not to be my concern.   A more forceful way to put that is:  it was none of my business!

It seemed that every time those “why questions” arose, God would repeatedly share with me that if I belonged to Him, He is the One with the “plans and purpose,” not me.    So with that in mind, I was required to get out of the driver’s seat and sit in the back and FOLLOW.

Perhaps like you, I’ve been required to turn in my driver’s license and follow the Instructor!  He knows where to take me and how to get me there.   I am “His” responsibility.   For peace of mind and heart I’ve put my crayons back in the box repeatedly, and when those “color in” temptations come, I receive the same encouragement from God.   

JUST TRUST ME!

God’s longing is for each of us to not only trust Him, but to leave the Divine coloring plans and purpose to Him.   He knows all the colors and shades of color in each of our lives and circumstances for the direction He’s taking us; and His wisdom will keep our lives safe within the outline and framework of His goals.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11.