Does God Have a Specific Plan for Your Life? Probably Not..
This isn’t going to become a copy and paste blog, i promise. But as the desire to dream begins to stir in me again, this one caught my eye. sometime in the weeks to come i’ll write my thoughts on “individual plans” for your life – a myth i believe we’ve sucked up because hey, we live in an individualistic world where everybody wants to be special (Heroes?) More on that later. for now, think on this…
‘If God is fathering us, He is helping us discover what is good, right, pure, and worthy to pursue. He teaches us morality and ethics, but also gave us a heart filled with desire and longing. It’s as though God sets before us a big sheet of butcher paper and hands us a box of crayons and tells us to dream.
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If God has something specific for you, you’ll know, I promise. But if He is setting a box of crayons down in front of you (a box of crayons called life) then by all means draw. He’s taught you right from wrong, good from bad, beautiful from profane, so draw. He will be with you, proud of you, cheering you on, so draw. He loves you, so draw in the inspiration of the knowledge of His love. Draw a purple horse, a red ocean, a nine-legged dog, it doesn’t matter. Lets stop being so afraid. Lets live, and show the world what it really means to be grateful we don’t live in a dysfunctional family.”
On Afternoons and Coffeespoons 
Living, really living is the key to finding what it is you are meant to do. Your gifts come alive when you are being your true authentic self with those around you, even in professional situations. In a job interview last year, I answered the question, “What would you do first if you got this job?” with “First I would jump and say, “Yippee” and then I would research my new school placement…” (teaching profession). The trustees and superintendent interviewing me told me later that it was my authenticity that impressed them most. I did answer the questions right too. However, my point is that when you are not pretending, you are who you truly meant to be and your goals, desires become clearer to you and to those around you. You become more authentic to those around you. Which gains others’ trust and helps you get where you need to go, do what you need to do. It clarifies things rather than muddying them up.
I liked your line in the book about us all being people who are wanting the best for those close to us, no matter how famous or important we are. I think it is our need to be a part of the group, not special and individual, that spurs us on to find more meaning in our lives. It also draws out our accountability. I think people want to know how they fit into the world and how they can make a difference.
I am trying everyday, to draw and to dance. My situation is difficult and I am always looking for the unique and positive in what surrounds me and my family. There IS goodness everywhere. We need to focus on what is good, on God’s blessings upon us, not our misfortunes. I make an effort at this everyday. My question is: why are we, as humans, prone to focus on the negative? Why do I have to train my brain to focus on the positive? Does this happen in upbringings? Is it human nature? No matter why though, we do have to dance, draw and live!
so dance on, Donald Miller. I loved your book! I have book-marked it, dog-eared it and recommended it! Thanks for writing it. It made a difference in my life…I am in the row boat, paddling…Your words encouraged me!
Jackie
HI jackie. very cool to see that you are dreaming and drawing and trying to get this life to the full thing right. Unfortunately, I just borrowed this quote from don miller.. you can find his blog at the link above. i’m pretty sure he would love to hear your thoughts and the encouragement on the book. val