Random thoughts...

It's interesting how the Lord can cause random things and random thoughts to transform into spiritual lessons or reminders.  I was in a 3rd grade classroom today, looking at the artwork on the wall.  Each "masterpiece" was completely different from the rest, as if the art teacher had given them free reign as to what to create.  Not knowing the inside thoughts of each little heart, the viewer was left to wonder what the creator was thinking, and whether the piece was actually planned or spontaneous - what my Grandmother would call a "happy accident".  This is when the reminder came that each of us is unique and specifically created by the Master Artist, who knew just what He had in mind!  Sometimes we look at ourselves, or others, and react with either despair, curiosity, or intrigue.  Yet, the God who created the universe has designed each of us with special care to be exactly what He needs and wants. None of us is a spontaneous or careless creation, a "happy accident".   Our gifts, talents, abilities and even desires were put into us to use for His glory. Our experiences, both good and bad, help to chip away unwanted traits and cultivate the beauty that He desires us to reflect! His plans are always for our good (Jeremiah 29:11) and nothing that happens ever goes to waste if we are in His care. (Romans 8:28) We are precious to Him and wonderfully made by Him, the Master Designer.  However, what makes us unique from the artwork I saw hanging in the classroom is our ability to choose whether to yield to our Creator and His design for our lives, or to "go to work" on ourselves or others to make what We think is better.  It's up to each one of us to choose whose design we will be!