A while ago, I was inspired by an article on square watermelons that described how Japanese grocers, faced with problems of space and inefficient packaging, asked farmers to make square watermelons. Instead of baulking at this crazy request, the farmers delivered--without altering the watermelons' chemical makeup. They began to grow watermelons within square cases. Thus, the fruit molded to the shape. The idea was a hit and everyone was happy. The farmers thought outside of the box (pun intended).

How often do we as young adults challenge ourselves to do something so insanely different that the miracle of it points to none other than Jesus Christ? We try to mirror Christ's righteousness and compassion but a lot can be said of His creativity as well; while on earth, He was refreshing and innovative. How about we bite his style?

Let me put a challenge out there: expand yourself at work, school or home. Perhaps God will lay it on your heart to use your creativity on a group project this semester. Or He may want you to devote your knack for decorating toward remodeling a homeless shelter. I remember hearing a story of a woman who was known for her pristine hands. God laid it on her heart to provide manicures to the residents at a local nursing home. She ministered to them through her gentle touch and loving conversation.

Thinking outside of the box can cure many ailments including legalism, religiosity, judgmental attitudes and even spiritual stagnation. Are you stuck in tradition, structure, routine or culture?

Live. Explore. Prosper.

Our world wouldn't be as full if it weren't for gifted people. Believe, family! Thrive even when folks tell you the cards are against you. Consider the following quotes from naysayers:

"There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."
KENNETH OLSEN, 1977, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP.

"Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value."
MARSHAL FERDINAND FOCH, 1911, FRENCH MILITARY STRATEGIST AND FUTURE WORLD WAR I COMMANDER.

"Man will never reach the moon regardless of all future scientific advances."
DR. LEE FOREST, 1967, INVENTOR OF THE AUDION TUBE AND FATHER OF RADIO.

"Television won't be able to hold on to any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night."
DARRYL F. ZANUCK, 1946, HEAD OF 20TH CENTURY-FOX.

"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us."
WESTERN UNION INTERNAL MEMO, 1876.

"Nothing of importance happened today."
WRITTEN BY KING GEORGE III OF ENGLAND ON JULY 4, 1776.

"Everything that can be invented has been invented."
CHARLES H. DUELL, 1899, U.S. COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS.

Ana Guthrie is a super cool chick with a heart for God and love for youth culture. She doubles as a not-so-naughty librarian and instructor at Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida.