27 comments
This is a great post- what an interesting assignment. Thank you for your words!
Thanks Katie! I loved this assignment! I still can’t believe how it still rings true after ten or more years!
Oh, Bethany! This is such a powerful post. As a teacher of primary-aged children, having worked with the elderly, and knowing myself, every word rang so true to how we are. I love teaching/tutoring now the younger children for they are like sponges and eager to learn. I love being around their free-flowing little minds and hearts. Expressing an “I love you” just flows and a hug and a note and all that. I love that age. I am a color-in-the-lines girl. Always was, but I like the neatness of it, I guess. But I have dreamed and followed, and dreamed and been stuck. I know where I am by the way I react to a dream or words from God in whatever form they may come. I don’t want to be stuck. I want the freedom. But I also want God’s plans for my life. I am still learning!!
So thankful you were a near neighbor at Kristin’s today. And thanks for coming by my place.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Linda –
Oh how your comment just spoke to my heart! I really believe you hit on why I enjoy helping out with children’s ministry! The excitement, the questions and the deep curiosity are so encouraging to me! I’m in a class right now and I’m the type that feels HORRIBLE asking questions because I have this idea that I’m bothering everyone with my curiosity. While an over abundance might not be good, a curious student stretches the potential for the entire class. I’m starting to be ok with my curiosity!
You, smart person, you!!! What a fabulous experiment. As soon as I reached the paragraph where the adults were given the exercise I wondered *what would I draw* and immediately a vision of a lovely small mansion with a great front porch overlooking the heavenly sea – crystal blue and clear. And, I saw flowers, lots and lots of flowers.
I never ever want to color between the lines…
I always learn something from your posts! xo
Ok Susan! I want to see your drawing now! Maybe a future post? Hmmmm?
My drawing resembled mountains flowing with water into a gentle stream, glowing from the sun. I’ve drawn that picture so many times too… Love your comments my friend!
Bethany, I want to color outside the lines with you, and most especially with a God who doesn’t care if we color outside the lines. I actually love to color. It is a great stress reliever. I wish other adults would feel the joy of coloring outside the lines. Kids sure can teach us well cant they. “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them.”
Well said Tara! I agree with the idea that coloring can be a stress reliever! With my kids, I’ve started coloring more and yes…it completely takes me to a peaceful place!
What a cool assignment! I know that in some areas of my life I’m apt to grab the crayons and draw away. In other areas, I’m more of the deer-in-the-headlights. You’ve definitely given me food for thought, my friend!
Anita –
Even the deer in headlights can move towards the line, it just needs to avoid the current collision! Maybe it’s that moment that God may be gently pushing you to the edge of familiar to see more possibility. You never know!
Oh my goodness…such a great post! I love how you take us along in your experiment, and I love your message that He comes right along with us and wants to partner with us, if we are vulnerable and willing to give Him those dreams so we can soar with His purposes in our lives. Awesome!
Bonnie –
I loved this experiment! Many other students reached different conclusions, but I’m so glad mine ended the way it did! It really makes me feel better about being a kid at heart!
As a child, coloring was so therapeutic, so I’m really loving this analogy. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Love your place Kristin! Wouldn’t miss it! There is a reason, even with my crazy schedule, that I make a point to be part of your community! I just wish I had more time to read!!!
What a great focus Bethany! I loved it! I always felt that coloring is therapeutic, even for adults. Now I know it is!
April – Love this! Maybe I’ll color a picture and post it for next week! Great ideas from you my friend!
Such an interesting experiment – I am intrigued. Thanks for stirring up thoughts about whether I am willing to go outside the lines.
Your welcome Barbara! I am at the beginning of my journey as a Life Coach and I love sharing the thoughts God has been stirring up in me! Love how He draws us out and calls us closer to Him at the same time!
Oh so much good stuff to chew on here. “These adults had simply given-up on the idea that they could dream and be heard, create and inspire others, or even simply go beyond coloring nicely between the pre-printed drawn out lines.” This got me.
“Perhaps the older we get the harder it becomes to really dream. Perhaps we try too hard and forget Who placed these dreams in us to begin with?” This post could not be more perfectly times. You see my dreams are so far beyond the box of a white sheet of paper… I get myself all stuck. Thank you for this inspiring nudge to go for it. I’ll let you know when I truly do.
Wendy!!! I love your enthusiasm! Yes…go for it girl…and seriously, let me know! Let me cheer you on!
Sad to see people lose their childlike wonder and creativity, but exciting that God wants us to come to Him like a little child! Your post is a great reminder of His will for us!
You’re right. I’m not too afraid of putting myself out there (as a blogger) but I was much freer as a child. And what a shame to lost that.
Jennie – I don’t think you have lost that. For instance, what was it that made you start writing? Why? There is a passion of color there that drives you my friend. I’ve seen it in action! It’s still there!
Hmmm Sadly I would be in that adult group, telling you I am not good at this. You are right, God did not create us to be like that. Thank you for reminding me! 🙂