Something New

Spring is my second favorite season. I love the cool but clean, fresh air;  the blossoming flowers and the brand-new leaves on the trees; the excitement of spending time outside; and the hope of adventure that can fill one’s heart. Spring is a time of new life, of transformation, and of different things to come.

In May, many people complete a chapter of their lives with graduation and set off on something brand new and exciting. Ten years ago, I graduated from Asbury University. As an alum, I still have strong connections to my class identity. At Asbury, you receive a class name and colors, a class hymn, and a Scripture verse that represents your class name. I am part of the Transforming Class. Our class verse is 2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 

I believe that we are always changing and growing as a person and becoming more like God's image. Life is meant to teach you about yourself and develop your gifts and talents. We are meant to grow and cultivate a relationship with God to become more like Him. We are meant to be transformed in life, not remain stationary.

Transformation should not stop when you reach a certain age or a certain level in your career. Transformation should continue every day of our lives. We all have things to learn about ourselves, about others, and about God. The danger is to stop uncovering the depths of your heart that God created. Revelation 21:5 states, “Behold, I make all things new.” God wants us to continue growing in Him and when we do that, we find out more of who we are, who He created us to be. We are transformed into who He intended us to be. We become something new.

Our Hearts Burn

     As they were slowly walking away from Jerusalem, the two friends talked about all that had happened the last few days.  A stranger came to join them and asked what they were talking about.  They shared their story of grief and disbelief with him.  Their friend had been murdered – they had thought that he would be the one to free Israel.  Now he was gone, however some women had been to the tomb and found it empty.  Nothing made sense to them.  The stranger began to unfold scripture to them as they walked on.  The friends invited him to stay with them as they went into an Inn for a meal.  As they all ate, Jesus broke bread and their eyes were opened.  He disappeared at that moment.  They thought back to the walk with him.  On remembering, they knew that there had been a burning within them that they had dismissed.  They knew then, though they did not realize it at the time.

     Since Easter day, I too have had many of these experiences.  A friend asked me the other day if I was ok – she had noticed me teary for the past few days.  She was right, I had been.  It was not out of sadness however.  I was overwhelmed with the depth and beauty of human creation and nature.  My heart had been burning for days.  I knew the presence of Jesus.

• ·         In the story of a son lovingly giving away his deceased father’s clothing

• ·         The story of an animal bringing a person back to what truly matters

• ·         The life of a coal miner’s son

• ·         Experiencing new depth in the life of someone I love but see no longer

I     I continued this practice of remembering with the children in Children’s Chapel yesterday.  We explored the story of The Walk to Emmaus.  We then got quiet to think about our week and where our heart may have been burning.  Maybe Jesus was there and we did not realize it.

• ·         On a swing with Nana on Nana day

• ·         Snapping turtles

• ·         When I was sick and my mother took care of me

• ·         The pouring rain

     Christ is alive in all of us as we strip down to the core.  All of the things that we wear to cover him up are not essential.  They cover up the resurrection appearances.  My guess is that all of you reading this have had a number of “appearances” in the last few days.  We need to be awakened to receive them.  Slow down and examine your life.  Live it intentionally and expect to be surprised continuously.  Share your stories with friends.  Like the disciples, everyone may not believe your story but trust it.  Your heart was burning within you to let you know he was there.