Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to
ordinary human standards, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time?
2 Corinthians 1:17
My Grandchildren are fascinated with snowflakes these days. Not the icy, cold variety that falls from the sky, that even they have had enough of, but rather the delicate, lacy, cut-out ones that little hands design with paper and scissors. I have them everywhere - in a mix of colors other than white I might add! Each one is a unique treasure. Even when the kids attempt to copy one another’s, their own piece is just a bit different. Nearly every time one of them hands me their artwork, it is almost always accompanied by the same comment. “Well Grammie, it didn’t come out like I wanted it to,” along with an explanation of the original plan they had in mind. Honestly pointing out to each one the beauty of their work, I ask them to consider that perhaps this was the way their creative effort was meant to turn out. As often is the case, they then scrutinize their project a little closer, and with a smile usually say, “It’s not that bad, Gram!” I learn so much from these kids!
Sometimes the way we hope things will come to pass and the way they do, are quite different, and only in retrospect are we able to see how lovely the end result is. There is no pattern of perfection to follow in performing the work we are meant to do, other than to follow Jesus example, and to do our best to listen to that call within us. Our creative work comes from the heart - the soul, and reflects something innate within us. I believe that somewhere along that creative line “we” let go and “Spirit” picks up, and just as in most areas of life, only we can allow God to direct us. He is the only perfection. We do not have to strive to be something we are not, or cannot be. He knows the plan that is best for us. Just listen for His lead. We may fail many, many times, but what keeps us going is our faith – our belief that with God’s help, the end result of our work will be beautiful in His eyes. We can firmly say “Yes!” and ignore the temptation of the “No’s!”
Lord, help us to keep striving toward your plan for us, focusing on the end result without regard to the negative we are challenged by.
Copyright© 2015 Kathleen A. Matson