Color outside the lines

I’ve always been a neat colorer. I use green for trees, yellow for sunshine. I stay within the lines.

But...do I have to? Is it time to color outside the lines?

I’ve been suspecting it, this need to shed a layer, to find out who’s really inside. Slough off a piece of myself—see if Jesus shines through. 

I want to change. I want to be bolder. I need to be transformed. 

A Sunday ago we spotted a man asking for a handout at the overpass intersection. Instead of looking the other way, we turned around to get closer. I rolled down the window and yelled out to get his attention. Then handed him a gift I keep in the car now for just such occasions.

A little thing. Things that maybe ordinary people do all the time, but things that are stepping out for me.

A venture here, a venture there.

Accepting an out-of-country responsibility I feel ill-equipped for. Signing up for an out-of-town conference alone. Breaking out-of-soul traditions that I’ve completed weekly for years.

Maybe it’s my stage of life.
Maybe it’s swirling circumstances around me.
Or maybe it’s pure Spirit.

I feel His breath inside me...the gasp for change to grasp more freedom.

It’s a little scary. And a little sad.

But the promise of fuller things—of God-things—draws me out.

I want to give Him all I’ve got.
Ready or not.
Every color in the box...for worship in AND outside the lines.

Watch for the new thing I am going to do.
It is happening already---you can see it now!
I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.
Isaiah 43:19 (GNB)

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2012: My year to...