Inspired by . . . new

Inspired by . . . 2014 recap Inspired by . . . always near the cross

Inspired by . . . new

There is a reason why Narnia was covered in snow and ice when Lucy stumbled through the wardrobe and came upon the lamp post. You may remember, if you’ve seen the movie or, better yet, read the book, that as the children made their way to the valley where Aslan was preparing his army, they met Father Christmas and the earth began to show signs of spring. In fact, by the time they reached the valley the earth was in full summer attire, flaunting rich green grass and fragrantly blooming trees.

Winter represents death. The kingdom of the enemy.

Except for a few places on earth where winter never arrives, these months are a time for plants and some animals to die. For the earth to rest, to lay quietly in waiting. The ground becomes hard and cold. The weather harsh, and unforgiving.

Yet the same ice that covers the tree limbs, breaking them , and causing so much damage, shines like a multi-faceted jewel when touched by the rays of the sun.

We catch our breath in wonder.

The sparkle invades our senses and we feel JOY.

Despite the death evident all around us, we see beauty in the freshly fallen snow and the feathery etchings left after an ice storm.

Just as Jesus speaks each snowflake into existence, and we marvel that no two are alike, we are each individually fashioned by Him.

Isn’t it just like God to come into the winter of lives, into the cold, hard ground of our heart and speak something new?

To give us hope.

To renew the expectation and wonder we first had, when things were new.

The new-ness wears off so quickly, doesn’t it? I’ll wager that a few of you have children who are already bored with the gifts they received for Christmas last week.

I don’t want to bored with one thing in this life! But I do want to be finished with a few!

I’m ready for new!

Mostly.

To be honest, new scares me.

But I know it’s time. He has been preparing me. So really, I wasn’t too surprised when God whispered this word softly to my soul as I was praying about my {one} word for the year.