Jesus and Life in Color

This may sound a bit cheesy or entirely inauthentic, but I thought seriously today about how much Jesus adds color to my life. This came to mind as I was reflecting on why the mundane things in life have taken on a new appeal lately. What was for a season, dull and unappealing is now conversely colorful...if you will, impelled by a beauty found only in Christ. It's like the blooming of spring after a long and cold winter!

This change happens when I humble myself in obedience and seek Him out. Christ then refreshes my dry and weary soul with water from his word and warmth from his presence. I am awakened again to the reality of His love and hope, inspired to dream again in faith of what He might accomplish through me.

Whenever I experience this renewal in my journey of faith, I am reminded of the impact Christ first had on my life many years ago. One day, after I gave my life completely to Christ, I was hiking through the Smokey Mountains, and I saw a vibrancy in God's creation that wasn't visible to me before. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says it clearly, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." In fact, it was I who changed! This reveals the simple truth that life is dull without Him in the mix.

Perhaps a benefit of winter-like seasons of the soul (feeling distant from God) is remembering what life was like without Christ in our lives. Life without Him is dull and colorless. Life with Him is colorful beyond comparison. Our response to Him should be one of gratitude for the access to abundance!

Stay Young

My grandfather said to me last night, "Stay young Heather. Don't ever grow old." At first I wasn't sure what he meant, or rather I  assumed he meant that growing old wasn't any fun because of all the aches and pains or heartache that comes with it...so avoid it if you can. After a few minutes of studying his expression, I realized what he actually meant was, stay young at heart. I knew then that he was trying to tell me to keep laughing, stay lighthearted and have fun in life no matter what. In other words, not to let your heart attitude grow old. There is no greater example of this to me than my grandfather!

I laugh more with my grandparents than almost anyone I'm around. At 82, still young at heart, they provide a great example for how to live wisely make the most of life. I forget that a lot of older people are grumpy, complaining and sedentary. Not my grandparents; They hardly let difficulties get to them. Not only that, but they live with zeal as if life were just beginning...not like it's about to end.
It isn't like they haven't experienced hard times, heartache or physical ailments. They've had more than their share of those. Still, I am constantly amazed at the attitude with which they choose to endure life's hardships. Even in their low points, they give glory to God, speak His promises and think positively.

It's a challenge...to me, to my generation and those who succeed us. May this legacy be granted to generations that come.