Coloring is healthy for behavioral and emotional growth. As kids, all of us hopefully enjoyed the benefits of coloring. Some of us as adults still enjoy it. I like coloring, strange for a grown woman to own up to it, but I find it calming.
My passion for coloring was rekindled when we got involved in the “Warrior Weekend to Remember” event. This is for Gold Star Families and Combat Injured Warriors. My family was involved in seeking prayers from select churches for identified individuals. As part of the close out, kids from the church color printed material for the families. One of the churches could not get the printed material colored in time, so Jeff and I sat up at night and colored as many sheets as we could. Even though, we were tired and it was late, I found myself enjoying it.
You cannot go wrong with this activity; you color inside the lines, you get to pick whichever color you choose, the outcome is your handiwork that someone will look at and maybe smile. Strangely enough, life is very similar to coloring a coloring page.
God gave us a coloring page, our life. He knows the outcome, but He gave us free will to walk or dance toward the outcome. He gave us tools, analogous to a color pencil box in this case. He is present in our lives, so we can ask if we have questions or willingly share each day with Him, even though He is watching intently. Our end result can bring Him glory. Know where to color, how to color and ask for help.
Be thankful for the picture, whatever He gave you, it is a gift from Him who is the author of the universe. The one who made galaxies, cares about you and has drawn a unique picture, just for you.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 1:3
Be aware that there are boundaries. Color inside the lines. He provides us instructions that become clear and apparent if you spend time in scripture. Respect the boundaries that He drew for us. Stay in tune with His will by praying, asking the Holy Spirit to guide. Obey no matter how hard the instructions.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
Proverbs 3:5-6
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
While working through the act of coloring your life, living it each day and gathering experience, growing and learning, keep your mind on Him. It is the only way to enjoy the peace that He gave us.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Isaiah 26:3
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Be adventurous, fear God and nothing else. Use bold colors if you can stomach it. But know that He has your back as long as you are obedient. God expects us to learn, grow and have a full life, adventure helps this cause.
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
Genesis 12:1
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
Seek guidance from God, let the Holy Spirit lead you through scripture and use the network of wise counsel in your life. Seek help whenever you are switching out colors as in making life-altering decisions like marriage, career, etc., or as often as you feel like seeking help. He loves to be involved and show us great and mighty things.
‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
Jeremiah 33:3
Happy coloring! May the picture of your life be blessed and pleasing to Him.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the life you gave me. I am free and joyful because You won against the evil forces that want to tear us away from You. May I color my life to bring You glory. Please guide and teach me to color this wonderful gift of eternal life with You. Amen.