Stars and Scars: Part 1 of 4
You have been to the stars; that is, the stars that have been the best experiences of your life. These have been the high points of your life – times you wish you could live all over again.
Some stars are similar: conversion; marriage; birth of children; the first job or car or house, etc. Others are unique. Psalm 145:5 says, “Remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”
Personal Exercise: On a sheet of paper, draw a horizontal line from left to right in the middle of the page. On the left, write “Birth.” On the right, list your current age. Now draw equidistant hash marks on the line to signify the decades of your life: 10, 20, etc. Close your eyes. Try to remember up to age 10. What were the stars of this decade, if any? Write a brief label above the line diagonally for each event at the approximate point within the decade. Continue with the other decades until you reach your current age.
Reflection: Now focus on the big picture. Look for common themes. What do you value? What drives you? Is it relationships? money? power? achievement? spirituality? recreation? travel? or many other possibilities. After your analysis, ask yourself, “What have I learned about how God made me?” Thank Him for making you … you!
© 2009 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
