For years I struggled trying to accurately and precisely color between the lines. To draw perfectly. I would even get mad and cry as a child when my pictures didn’t look the way they were “supposed to”. Truth be told sometimes I still get mad at not being able to stay within the lines. Maybe that’s why I fell in love and I’m still taken aback by Jean Claude Monet’s art. He had no lines yet his paintings all told a story.

I always wanted to fit in, always feeling like I stood out. Never truly understanding that the lines I was growing up in where not mine to stay within. I opted to say “oh I’m just not that creative or artistic like others” oh I pushed the envelope several times but just enough to touch the edges a bit and if I was spoken to or judged I would “erase the mistake” instead of venturing out to dream, do and create. That changed as I got older and rediscovered hidden talents and came face to face with one of the very things that makes me …Me. I’m not like anyone else and when I can’t fit into the lines I make new ones. I found a picture that reminds me of that. 

God has created us all with a unique talent and quality don’t burry it, don’t erase it, don’t forget it, and don’t conform to this world. Live and be what God has created you to be.

Romans 12 verse 2 says: And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be <span data-fn="#fen-AMP-28248c" class="footnote" data-link="[c]” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);”>[c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].  (AMP version)

This world will tell you what you should be like, they will try to mold you into what they think is right which changes day to day and week to week.  If you are going to change do it to be better. If you are going to color outside the lines let it be because God drew out something greater for you. Do not conform to this world.  But be part of what makes it better. 

Merita’s Heart  💕

Ps. Say this prayer with me today. Lord God almighty I come before you knowing full well that at times I have conformed to the patterns and ways of the people around me. Forgive me for not seeing who You are and who I am in you. Renew my mind, help me refocus my eyes to see beyond what others see. That I may color outside the lines of constraint. That I may make an impact in this world as I live it out focusing on eternity with you. In Jesus name I pray Amen.