Undesired Handprints

Have you ever watch concrete set up?

I mean, not sat there the ENTIRE time it was drying…

…but I think you know what I mean.

There is often caution tape draped around it, a few boards making sure it stays in place, and everything is set up in just the right way so the concrete is allowed to set up and become the solid substance it is supposed to become.  

Then some kid comes by and puts a hand print in it.

Why?

Because they know it will set up with the handprint in it, and they will be immortalized…kind of.

Is the concrete ruined?  Not necessarily, it may be able to carry out its function, but there is definitely a difference in what the plan was.

If our lives are a lot like concrete, and we aren’t quite firmed up yet, what is leaving its mark on our lives?

Some things are good, some are terrible, and some things bring fullness, while others suck the life right out of you.

Does the imprint define you?  Does it change who you are?

I have found that it seems far easier for many people to let the bad things change them and the good things have little to no lasting imprint on them.  We let the terrible things in life ruin us.

Is it even possible to find something good in the bad?

A lot of times, I tend to run off with how much better my life is as I experience God.  It is never my intention to come across that I never have any bad times.  What I hope to communicate is that even in the tough times, there are lessons to be learned.  In those lessons, I can learn to appreciate so much in my life and rely on a strength beyond my own and in that have a greater and deeper experience with God. 

 

Crazy, right?

Maybe, but I can tell you that I am who I am because of the impressions that have been made in my life (both good and bad).  He has taken those situations as a master potter and shaped and molded my life into something that I consider beautiful.  It may seem common to others, but to me, my life is precious because He has shown me that my life is precious to Him.  Through the tough times, through the hurt, He has shown me that the impressions that I don’t necessarily want don’t ruin me…they shape me… and He can work in that and will as I turn those situations over to him.  

I don’t know what it is that is pressing itself into your life now, I don’t know if it is wanted or not, but I do know you have a choice.

Let it rule you for the worst, or let it shape you for the better.

He wants what is best for you.  He has eternal perspective.  He knows what is best.  Let Him work through this time, whether it is good or bad.  Let’s step back and see what He can do in this.

You aren’t ruined.  There is still a lot of life to be lived, too much to let something rule you.