Stars and Scars: Part 3 of 4
Everyone has scars. They might be bumps and bruises, scratches, gashes, or gaping wounds. But even after the injury heals, the scar remains.
SCARS are the low points of life. The pain was so great that you cried out to God for mercy. Some examples: death of a loved one; divorce; loss of a job; financial reversal; wayward child; betrayal of friends, etc.
Personal Exercise: On another 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 scars 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 remaining decades until you reach your current age.
Reflection: Now focus on the big picture. Look for themes. Did some situations repeat? Were they about relationships? Finances? Legal matters? Parenting? Addictions? Were they your fault or others? Or did the come out of the blue? After your analysis, ask, “What have I learned about my life?” Thank Him – that’s right – thank Him for your SCARS! For they force you to grow personally and depend on God more fully.
© 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.
