There once was an artist, a famous one, who painted beautiful pictures, each and every one unique in its own way.  This special painter put his creations in a well-known art gallery, where many would come and see the wonderful, magical pictures for the first time.  There where some paintings that were liked and cherished by the community, while others of his works never got looked at.  The once famous painter was saddened by this, for, after all, he had used to be very popular.  Now the young, infamous, unpopular artists took some of the first artist’s “bad” masterpieces into their workshops to do some touchups.  When these came back out and reached the public once again, the works now looked ordinary.  Plain.  Regular.  As for the first, experienced artist, he was enraged.  But he didn’t show it.  He kept making unique paintings for all the world to see and enjoy.  

What exactly does it all mean?

God is the artist, painting the pictures (our lives).  We are the infamous artists, taking God’s plans for ourselves and changing them until we are satisfied.  We’re not listening to God’s call.  He has a mission for us to accomplish; we’re not completing it.  He has a plan; we’re not finishing it.   The Coach is calling the play; we are not obeying Him.  Yours may be planting churches.  It may be missions. It may be translating God’s Word.  Whatever your ”painting” could be; don’t ignore it.