Connecting the Dots: Just like life

Erin Outcalt

By ERIN OUTCALT

mcp.com columnist

I always enjoyed tracing out connect the dot pictures as a child. At first glance all I could see were a bunch of dots on the page that were supposed to form something. What an exciting mystery! I would position my pencil at the starting point not knowing how the picture would evolve. As I traced along the dots I would imagine what the picture may turn into.

Sometimes I could easily figure it out and sometimes I was way off the grid. There were moments I rushed through and missed one of the points on the picture forcing myself to go back and begin again. There were also pictures that were so complex that I gave up along the way and never finished.

Life is similar to connecting the dots. We begin without the knowledge of our purpose or design. We wildly guess and wonder how our life will turn out without being able to see the full picture. We make choices each day that take us on a new loop in the design. Along the way an image begins to form as we connect the dots of our own experiences and choices. We may find that we have run off course and need to fix some mistakes. And then there are times where the direction is unclear and we aren’t sure which way to turn.

As we fumble through the maze of dots wondering which way to turn next we can rely on the one who created it to point us in the right direction. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

God has perfectly placed each point along the way to form the picture of who he has created us to be. He knows our design and purpose even when we struggle to see it. There is an amazing journey carefully crafted for every person…so enjoy the adventure and keep connecting the dots!

Erin and her husband, John, live in Custer Township with their children. You may contact Erin at erinoutcalt@yahoo.com.