Each spring, I am delighted to see green leaves emerge from what look like dead sticks. During winter, those sticks appear as dead wood. Then, seemingly overnight, green emerges, and with that green, a reminder that renewal lurks just beneath the surface.
Renewal
One definition of “renew” is to resume after a period of interruption.
What old sticks, what dead wood do you harbor that you need to give permission to bud and bring forth renewal? Sometimes, we hinder renewal by failing to encourage growth and accept change.
Perhaps you’ve been in a period of life interruption. Some unexpected and unwanted situation has infiltrated your existence and halted forward motion. You’ve been paralyzed by illness, depression, brokenness, or grief, and now, you are experiencing a tiny breath of hope and renewal. Your period of interruption is coming to an end, and refreshment is washing over you.
When renewal comes after a long winter of interruption, give thanks. Life seasons come and go, moderate and change. Most of us are resistant to change, but many times, change is positive, providing a renewed perspective.
Refinement
Do you know someone who is in a difficult life season? No one wants the hardship of an unwanted medical diagnosis, an unjust accusation, a loss of employment, financial distress, the sudden or prolonged death of a loved one, or a multitude of other life situations that add stress and push us beyond what we think we can bear. But it is in those seasons of difficulty and distress that our faith is refined, our trust is strengthened, and our reliance on God is greatest.
Refining is often a painful process, one most of us would rather skip. But through the refinement process, we grow, change, and move forward.
If you are in a time of refinement, don’t fight it. Learn from it. Give thanks for it and look forward to all the positives refinement will bring.
Resurrection
When the drab barrenness of winter gives way to flowering and greenness, the sight renews, refreshes, and resurrects a desire for forward motion. How can we not be encouraged by the change in surroundings? The freshness of spring resurrects hope, joy, and a positive perspective.
With spring comes the reminder that we serve a resurrected Christ, who renews, refreshes, and refines us. Through His grace, forgiveness, and transforming power, we have the gift of new life. So rejoice!
“You have given up your old way of life with its habits. Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better” (Colossians 3:9b-10 CEV).
“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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