Living in Iowa, you think we would get used to things changing all the time, but there is still a feeling of excitement to it. Maybe it is the desire to be done with strings of cold days or the occasional snowfall, but by March, we are usually excited for Spring to arrive. A few weeks ago, one child started complaining about the birds waking him up in the morning, but otherwise is excited to be able to play outside more often. Flowers have started to sprout and trees are budding, so life seems to be emerging from what looked dead just a month ago. My wife was just asking me what outdoor projects I wanted to get done this year – no pressure. What do you most look forward to as Winter changes to Spring?
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
After several decades, you think it would get old, but it never really does. Maybe things coming to life all around us gives us hope to change and grow in a good way within our lives also. It gives us hope that cold relationships may grow warmer, that we can live life more fully with those we love. Maybe you are still hopeful that you can grow spiritually closer to God and toward those you love. Besides moving from inside our homes to more outside activities, we look to nurture growth both in our gardens and in other areas of our lives as well. Even if you have given up on some of your New Year’s resolutions, what changes are you now hoping to make in your life and the lives of others?
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
The other thing that may not be new, but never gets old may be the regeneration we have with our lives in Christ. The fact that He is conforming us more to His likeness through Sanctification is encouraging, especially as we experience failures and other challenges in life. We never become perfect people on this side of Heaven, but knowing that we can still be forgiven and have second, and fifteenth chances to get things right is helpful. Hopefully we have the support of our brothers and sisters to walk along side us to encourage us in our journey, and maybe you can be that support for others as they seek to grow as well. May you find joy in living as you continue to bloom and grow in the new creations we are becoming each day!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Yours in Christ,
Clark
