The Art of Obeying Directions

Bless my heart. I decided to try going to one of the art activities here at the old people place. Though all the others were able to complete the project that looked like Hanah’s example, for the life of me, I couldn’t follow her directions!

Today’s project was watercoloring a jellyfish. Having been stung a time or two and seen them up close and personal, I figured I could easily paint a realistic jellyfish.

Not!

I jumped ahead of every direction and ended up doing my own thing. A total disaster that Ronald says looks like an alien instead of a jellyfish. I was trying for a Portuguese Man of War. And yes, it is more like an alien. Ronald wants to draw fangs on it and maybe a drop or two of blood around what appears to be its mouth. He is insisting I frame it. I guarantee it will be in his TV room – definitely not a living room decor!

My idea of an art project always involves getting a wee bit messy if paints are involved. Hanah instructed us to blend the shades of paint with the brushes. I started and really tried to obey. I really did. Then I got to thinking it would be easier if I used what the Good Lord provided – my fingers. And it needed background which I added – again with my fingers. I was having fun.

Then I thought more about how scary jellyfish are and how they hurt you with absolutely No provocation! As I tried to blend the paint with my fingers, I gave it a bit of a warty texture. And some really fat tentacles. And lots of skinny ones.

Scary! Fun!!! Followed my natural bent toward rebellious, chaotic, and creative. No harm, no foul.

But of course, there has to be an object lesson involved.

My problems in life pretty much swirl around doing things my own way. Spiritually, I do try a wee bit harder.

Psalm 143:10 TLB.  ‘Help me to do Your will, for You are my God. Lead me in good paths for Your Spirit is good.’ Great advice worth following and truth worth appreciating.

Deuteronomy 28 lists a bunch of blessings for those who faithfully obey the voice of the Lord.

Jeremiah was told to give this message from God to the people. ‘But this is what I commanded them saying, Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be MY people. And walk in all the way that I have commanded you that it may be well with you.’

In John 14:21 Jesus said, ‘Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.’

Perhaps too often people obey the Bible because of guilt or to get blessings. But what better blessing than to belong to God and be loved by Him? Instead of looking for the perfect, happily-ever-after in the Christian walk and being disappointed because of life’s trials and heartaches, maybe focusing on the presence of God and knowing the believer’s here-and-now has no comparison with the wonderful then-and-there of eternity is a better choice. Yep, obedience to God’s Word seems to be worth putting aside my non-conformist attitude.

Blessings

Kara Beth