Embracing the Paint-by-Numbers of Life
As a child, I remember vividly the excitement of receiving a paint-by-numbers kit as a gift. The image of a majestic horse adorned the canvas, promising hours of creative enjoyment. With eager anticipation, I dipped my brush into the pots of paint, meticulously filling in each designated section with the corresponding color. When the final stroke was made, I stepped back to admire my masterpiece – a beautifully colored horse that seemed to gallop off the page.
Reflecting on that childhood memory, I can't help but draw parallels to life itself, particularly the journey of foster and adoptive families. Just like my paint-by-numbers horse, we are often presented with a template, a set of instructions, or guidelines on how to navigate the complexities of life. For many of us, these templates are found in the teachings of faith, whether it be through the Bible or other spiritual texts.
But here's the catch – just because we have a template doesn't mean our journey will be flawless or effortless. Much like my painting, if we adhere strictly to the numbers, following each step meticulously, we may end up with something that resembles the intended image but lacks soul and depth. It might be neat, but it could also feel rigid and constrained.
On the other hand, if I were to attempt to paint that horse without the guiding numbers, relying solely on my interpretation and skill, the result would likely be far from the envisioned masterpiece. It might resemble a Pinterest fail more than anything else – a mishmash of colors and shapes that vaguely resemble a horse, but lack coherence and beauty.
In many ways, life presents us with a similar choice. We can choose to strictly adhere to the guidelines, in the Bible, set before us, following the prescribed path without deviation. Or, we can embrace the opportunity to use the ‘directions’ to infuse our God-given creativity, our designed unique perspective and experiences into the canvas of life.
For foster and adoptive families, this choice can feel particularly poignant. The journey of fostering or adopting a child often comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. There may be moments when following the "paint-by-numbers" approach feels like the safest option – sticking to the established protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of the child in our care.
Deuteronomy 12:28 | God wants us to obey Him so things will go well for us.
Matthew 28:19-20 | We should help others obey God too.
Luke 11:28 | Obeying God’s Word brings blessings.
Colossians 3:20 | God likes it when children obey their parents.
John 8:31-32 ESV
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
2 Timothy 3:16 ESV
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Peter 1:11 ESV
For in this way, there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
But there are also moments when we are called to color outside the lines, to embrace the messiness and unpredictability of parenthood with an open heart and mind. It's in these moments of spontaneity and authenticity that the true beauty of family shines through – not in the perfection of our actions, but in God’s love and resilience that binds us together.
So, can you believe I painted that horse when I was little? Sure, it may have been a paint-by-numbers kit, but the joy and satisfaction I felt upon completing it were very real. And isn't that what life is all about – not just following the rules, but finding joy and fulfillment in the journey, whether it be meticulously planned or delightfully messy?
As foster and adoptive families, let us remember that while God may have given us a template on how to live, it's up to us to infuse it with our unique talents, colors, our own stories, and God’s love. And who knows? The result may just be a complete and polished work of art – a masterpiece that reflects the beauty of our shared journey.
Dear Father God, thank you for giving us the Bible. Help us to follow the instructions that you have given us and not try to do things our way. Help us stay on course and have fun on the journey. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
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