He sat next to me on a short flight, the middle-seat guy.  He took out the seat-back magazine and started working on an origami piece.  He read the instructions step-by-step and studied the example picture closely.  As he worked, he would compare his piece to the picture and either move on to the next step or take a step back to make a correction.  I watched him through the reflection in the window for about a half hour.  He just kept at it and I never really sensed any frustration when his hand-held masterpiece didn’t look like the magazine.  I was enthralled with this whole scene of determination.

When things like this cross my path, I often ask the Lord, “What do you want to teach me in this moment? “  At that point, I was reminded that our instructions are clearly written for us to follow step-by-step and the pictures that the words paint are more beautiful than a camera can catch.  Conviction nibbled at me.   Do I go back and compare my life to the picture the Lord painted in His Word?  Does my life look like the picture or do I need to go back and make corrections?   Do I have the determination to make these adjustments or am I content to stay stuck with a picture that looks nothing like the original?

Father, Thank You for Your instruction book and the beautiful picture it paints for our lives.  Help us to have the determination it takes to compare our lives to Your Words and make any necessary corrections.  Not in our strength, but in Yours.  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV