A Flash of Inspiration

Colored Pencils

I recently went to a meeting for those who are going on a mission trip this summer. There, my pastor talked to us about a simple, seemingly random topic.

Colored pencils.

Why am I including a chapter talking about colored pencils in an inspirational book? Well, because in a way, YOU are a colored pencil.

My pastor went around to our large group offering each individual the chance to select one colored pencil. "Pick the colored pencil that you think best matches who you are," he told us. So we chose our colors.

Pretend for a moment that your personality is a color. What would it look like?

Every person has their own distinct color. No two colors are the same. Another important note is that no color is more or less important than another. Every color stands out.

Maybe you don't like your color.

Maybe you wish that your aqua blue had could get a bit of yellow.

Maybe you wish your neon orange could use a bit of green.

Many people aren't happy with their color, but the thing is, you are what you are. And "what you are" is special. "What you are" is unique. "What you are" defines you, impacts you, impacts others.

Changes the world.

Now, the world is a blank sheet of white. It doesn't have any color on it's own, it just is what it is.

Know what that means? YOU COLOR THE WORLD.

The thing is, colored pencils don't color with the outside. No matter how good or bad they may look on the outside, no matter what shape or size they are, all that matters is the colored part on the inside.

Sometimes people wonder why bad things happen. Why would God do this to me? Why would He put me through this?

To answer that, think about what happens as a colored pencil is sharpened. The dull end is put in and cut, torn, and bruised until it is gone, replaced with a new point, perfect for coloring with. The pencil is shorter, yes, but now can be used again.

We are the same. We are put through trials to keep us sharp. If everything was always happy, could anyone stay sharp? No. We would all turn dull. Then, when a struggle came around, we would be unprepared. Also, being dull means your color barely has any impact on that blank white sheet of a world.

YOU ARE UNIQUE. YOU ARE SPECIAL. AND, REALIZE IT OR NOT, YOU CHANGE THE WORLD WITH EVERY CHOICE YOU MAKE.

So my question to you is:

What color are you drawing on the world?

Are you spreading joy to people? Lifting people up?

Or what about tearing people down? Making fun of people for your own gain?

Decide what color you are.

Change the world.

No one can do it for you. Why?

You're the only color of your kind.