I really love living in New England. One reason is the seasons. I have lived in warm climates. They have definite seasons, but nothing quite like the leaves changing to bright hues of red, yellow and orange. These leaves fall off and the pure white of the snow follows. Then it begins again with the fresh, bright green of new leaves. The cycle of life.
The bright colors remind me of mature life. I think we all become a bit more colorful with age. My mom used to say we all become “more” as we get older. “More” like who we really are because our inhibitions fade and we tend to care less what others think. Who we are becoming shows more easily.
I have seen this in action and have already prayed for decades that I will not be a mean old woman, but rather one of those gentle, kind ones that think more of others than myself. My kids will be the ultimate human judges on the matter in the end. In the mean time I continue to choose to co-operate with the Holy Spirit as best I can to have Him make me more in the image of Christ every day.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
As we gaze upon the beauty of the Lord through His word, people and all forms of His creation we begin to co-operate with the forces of transformation.
It takes many storms and seasons with leaves coming and going to work the transformation. Patience, part of the fruit of the Spirit is essential for the formation of the other parts. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
I pray I become like the beautiful tree in the photo. For 20 years I have walked by that same tree in every season. It has grown, as I have. It has become more beautiful each year, in every season. As it has weathered many storms and seasons, My prayer is to hold firm through the seasons so I will “look” and act more Christ like every year.
How about you? What kind of “more” are you becoming? What are you beholding?
Abba, the cycle of life is full of beauty and challenges. I ask you to help me co-operate with you through it all so I may truly be transformed into the image of Christ from one degree of glory to another! To God alone be the glory! Amen
