Ah, Young Seedling, Have You Any Apples?

Image courtesy Curiosities by Dickens

Have you heard this quote before? I heard it first when I was an impressionable teen, probably 14, trying to figure out who I was. In a family of 10, that can be an overwhelming question.

As a kid, I loved to draw. I still do (when I have time), but back then I was the head of the class for art. That might be because I was one of the oldest kids in my grade, and thus had an advantage. Regardless, other students would come and stand over my desk, peering down at what I sketched. After a couple seconds the question always came, "What are you drawing?" I hated that question. I had a vision and wanted to get it down without having to explain myself, but occasionally the picture would change half way through--because what appeared on the page inspired a change of direction. I'd tell them to come back when it was finished. It got to the point where I'd wear my hair down and lean over my paper, making my hair a veil. Sure, I looked like an introvert, but it kept people from viewing the rough lines and plaguing me with their questions. 

I think often we're the impatient children, looking at the rough lines or half-completed sketch and asking, "What's it supposed to be?" The masterpiece of our lives, of who we are becoming is never complete until the final breath, or final line is drawn. Our development is constantly open to alter or change. BUT, there is a master artist who is working to define us according to our best self. He is maneuvering the pencil that defines our shape, but will not force the lead onto the page without our consent. If we trust His vision for our lives, we will find our potential far outweighs our vision. 

So, how many apples are in your seed?

P.S. This is my tribute to International Be Positive Day, hosted over at Sharon Mayhew and Robyn Campbell's blogs.