So today is Groundhog day. That odd day when Pennsylvanians turn to an oversized rodent to predict whether the renewal of the planet - meaning Spring - will come fairly soon or if we are doomed to another 6 weeks of gray skies and frozen ground.
The classic film is a reminder of how mind-numbing life can become when it is always the same thing, over and over again. Same commute, same meals, same people, same issues, same cold air that hits me on the way out the door every morning…same me.
Renewal. To hope for it seems almost unnatural. From the moment something is made it begins the process of decaying. Aging causes wear and tear and even with the tenderest of care, nothing can be returned to its pristine and perfect state of being brand new.
And yet even when the wrinkles will not vanish - despite what the label on the cream says - and the hair stubbornly keeps turning gray…even then, there is something amazing happening inside of me. And you.
And I’m not even talking about the fact that our very cells are regenerating every day.
The fact that our livers and fingertips regenerate instead of scarring.
The fact that every cell in your body is no more than 10 years old because after every 7 to 10 years, every single cell has been regenerated.
There is an even more incredible renewal taking place inside of us. A spiritual regeneration.
In Roman 12:2 Paul calls us to no longer conform to the world around us, but rather to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This means our ideals and our attitudes can and are to be renewed by spending time in the light of His truths. Even though Ecclesiastes laments that there is nothing new to be found under the sun, God is always at work doing something new. He has given us a new name, He has established a new covenant through Christ’s blood, and He has promised to make ALL things new - including our very selves.
”Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?” Isaiah 43:18-19. Are we too busy pondering the same old things? Are we even aware of the newness that is found in our amazing God?
There is no Groundhog day with God. No mindless repetition. He is always at work, doing something new and exciting in our innermost being. He is teaching us, growing us, healing us and freeing us daily. We are doing the opposite of our aging bodies. We are being made new in Him, and in the renewing power of His Word. As we WAIT on Him our strength is renewed. Not as we run around trying to renew ourselves. All we need to focus on is Him - our source. God is light - and light is what brings the seeds of Spring into full bloom and nature into its fragrant dance of renewal. He is all we need.
In this dismal time of seemingly never ending winter, and no matter what Punxsutawney the groundhog sees, cling to His promise and claim it as you thank Him for your eternal inner Spring.
“But those who wait for the Lord shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up close to God as eagles mount up to the sun; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” Isaiah 40:31
- Kelly Joyce (a member of the Crown of Beauty community. Find her blog at www.triumphantly.net )