T-shirt Time.

Spring. Praise God! I love winter, but I get excited as sunshine, green grass, and open windows become more of a reality. Especially exciting is the “changing of the wardrobe” that happens in my closet. It's fun to exchange “light” clothing for the “heavy” things I've been wearing all winter. In fact, the thought of not making the change is just silly. Should I continue wearing long sleeves and wool socks in April? (Please, God – I hope not!)

Although foolish, many of us do this in a spiritual sense. We stick to our “old” ways of doing things – even when God is doing something different. We sometimes cry and complain about new things, even when they are good. In Isaiah 43:18-19 the Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

God is good. He has good things for us – even if they require some change. This spring, if God is bringing you into a “new season” in life, change your wardrobe. Exchange that sweater for a t-shirt and get ready for something exciting!

Working in the garden.

2010. It's been one heck of a year. And, it's only April...

In January, a good friend assured me that 2010 would certainly be "my year" - a make-up year; a chance for life to "pay back" a little of the debt 2009 seemed to have left me with. I whole-heartedly believed him - out of pure necessity. I guess I don't know what I was expecting 2010 to bring me, but let's just say that I didn't order ANY of the packages which have arrived. Honestly, I wish I could return a few of them.

As if each new thing were a sort of "jack in the box", (because some have turned out to be just that!) I've found myself becoming hesitant with life. I'm hesitant to open one more "surprise". I'm hesitant to get my hopes up once again with the belief that this time I'll actually want what's inside. I've noticed a growing leeriness about the way I approach new opportunities, relationships, and ideas - as if I'm just waiting for them to "pop". More than simply prudent caution, it has become skepticism lined with a bit of fear.

But, in the way He always does, God has helped unwrap each box. He has sat near as I've examined the contents, and has given me the wisdom to know what to keep, and what to give away. And because life continues sending little "gifts" to my door, another gift has arrived. But this one stands out. Brighter wrapping. Bigger bow. A card.

God never shows up empty-handed, and He's brought the best gift yet. I didn't recognize what it was at first, but I'm so glad He thought to give it to me. It's a little bit of Courage. Just enough. Enough to keep me from leaving the party all together. Enough to encourage me to open the next thing that comes my way. Enough to accept whatever the contents may be.

And so, I'm learning. I'm learning what courage looks like, and I'm learning how to use it. I'm learning that maybe 2010 is "my year" after all. Not that the year, itself, will do anything differently for me, but that, instead, I will begin to receive what it gives me with Grace, Faith, and Courage.

Who knows? I might even write a few thank you notes.