Painting this way kind of reminds me of how we can let God's Spirit lead us. We show up. We begin to do the work, the task he has called us to do, but we let him lead us in it. We probably have a few preconceived notions about how it will go -- expectations -- but if we are smart about it, we will let those go and see what God has planned. It always turns out better than how we envisioned it.
Like, when I paint -- when I try to control the painting it never comes to life right. It is kind of dead on the canvas. Just a silly picture that has no life at all. It might be a pretty picture, but something definitely is missing.
Same goes for the stuff we do for God. When we try to control them, they might be okay, but they will never be what they could be. Letting God lead takes courage because you aren't in control anymore and you have no idea what the ending will be. What stuff? you may ask. Actually, it can be anything we do in life. Doing errands. Doing chores. Creating something. Doing taxes. Going to work. Going to school. Eating. Shopping. Anything.
And how do we let him lead?
Easy. Just invite him to lead. I have an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. I know he is there. So, I talk to him and if I am about to do something I say, "Jesus, please do this through me" or "Jesus, lead me" or "Jesus, shine through me in this." It doesn't matter what the words are, and I don't always remember to ask him to do this. I need to get better at that. When we forget to ask it doesn't mean we aren't letting him lead though, but it is a good reminder to yourself that he is leading.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG) says, "Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."
Aren't those some great verses! What if we all lived like that? Saying hello to everyone with big smiles really blesses people (and you). Praying all the time is just having that ongoing conversation with God, recognizing that he is with you and including him in all you do. Thanking God no matter what happens is good for us -- keeps us grateful, tenderhearted, open to his Spirit. Helps us be lovely, beautiful humans who shine bright in this dark world.