The Mosaic of Your Life
When I first glanced at this picture, so many thoughts swirled in my mind. I immediately admired the bright sun and the path leading through the beautiful landscape. I didn’t see any obstacles, and it felt so peaceful and serene.
How many of us would love this to be a representation of our life? It’s like following Dorothy to the land of Oz. This picture embodies everything we wish our life should or could be. But I was reminded that this is a completed mosaic. Our pieces are still being put together.
I decided to look at all the symbolism in the picture and apply it to my life. I gleaned so much that I’m going to share my insights with you.
1. Look at the people in the bottom left. Their heads are erect, like they’re observing you. These are the individuals who whispered lies or told you that you wouldn’t make it. Maybe they failed you or judged or betrayed you. Close your eyes and then look at the whole picture again. Do you see how they’ve become part of your story?
2. Take a closer look at the path. The center of it is made of stones, which are often associated with obstacles. These could be things that hindered you or caused you to stumble. They were barriers to hurdle and roadblocks you had to overcome. But looking at the complete picture, they’re now part of your walkway, the path forward.
3. Peek to the right. These are people helping you find your way. They are bent over placing pieces in your path, directing you onward, and helping you establish boundaries. They’re your cheerleaders in the stands while you run your race. They’re also part of the whole mosaic and a key part of you and your journey. Surround yourself with good people who will stand with you.
4. Move your eyes to the top of the picture. At first glance, you think oh, look at the animals. Aren’t they cute. I love animals, but these aren’t the cute ones. No, they’re predators—the enemy that’s trying to attack and stop your progression. They come to lie, steal, and destroy. Notice the trees have no leaves to provide shelter. This represents the trying times.
5. Look at the upper right. Jesus is there. He’s been there all along. How many of us are overlooking him? When we stare at the whole mosaic it’s easy to pass right over him. We’re busy, stressed, and overwhelmed in handling work, bills, responsibilities, school activities, house maintenance, and so much more. While trying to survive the basic daily tasks of living, we miss Jesus. We try to do it all ourselves thinking, “I can handle all of this. I can glue all these pieces together.” Or maybe we miss him because of the burdens of illness, shame, mistakes, loneliness, or regret. When we’re consumed by fear, anxiety, and worry, we forget God has a plan. But you’re missing something. The person who can assemble all the pieces.
There have been times in my life when I wanted to give up. I didn’t know what to do. My broken dreams lay scattered in a million little bits, but my Jesus put the pieces together. He rescued me.
God comes to us not at our best but often at our worst. He wants to be smack dab in the middle of our lives. He wants to collect the shards and form them together for a beautiful mosaic. We just have to open our lives and hearts to let him. Don’t miss Jesus.
