When I was a little girl, coloring inside the lines was taught and expected. I loved it. Staying inside those lines was its own special triumph. I colored for hours and proudly paraded my masterpieces for all to see. I thought I was good, but then an older cousin came to visit and broadened my scope of artistry. She taught me to outline the lines. That’s right, make the line darker to clarify it. Genius!
Those lines crossed over to every aspect of my life as I was a rule follower through and through. I can’t complain. It kept me out of trouble (mostly) and served me well for most of my younger adult life.
Then, like a barely noticeable breeze, a gentle shift began to emerge. As I grew closer to God, I saw myself in a different light. For years, I had stifled my artistic side to stay inside the lines. The arts weren’t valued in my childhood (only because my family wasn’t particularly creative), so I thought I was a little odd with my love for music, art, photography, and writing. It took me years to allow myself to fully embrace and even love this part of me.
I am so wildly diverse in my interests that to put me in a box is to force me to claw my way out (quickly). I still like rules and order, but I also love pushing through the lines to be who God created me to be. It creates a great adventure!
Have you seen unknown parts of yourself shine through as you become closer to God? How have those shifts changed how you see yourself?
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