Be Thawed and Rejoice: Lent (part six)
Spring is upon us.
A new season. A season of life bursting forth from the cold and dreary.
It’s often cold and dreary, isn’t it?
I write this while looking out my window in Arizona, where it is unusually cloudy and rainy. We’ve had more rain this season than any in Arizona’s history, I believe. Not that I’m complaining. It will be 110° before we know it. But for now, the environment around me is a reminder that my life has been fairly cold and dreary, especially during this season of Lent. Perhaps I’m learning more about what it means to die to things. Perhaps I’m just finally paying attention and listening.
I’m still not sure.
But, I am sure of one thing. Spring is upon us. Life is bursting forth.
My life.
Your life.
You know, a heart frozen by bitterness, cynicism and fear is a dangerous thing. Wounds run deep, causing it to barricade itself for protection. It thinks that by staying closed off and hardened, no one will be affected. Instead, it lashes out in anger, tries to change appearances for acceptance or wishes for more punishment. “Maybe if I just suffered more,” it says, “I could finally move on.”
My heart has been frozen in areas, but these areas are dying. In their place grows a new hope. A hope of more compassion, more humility, more Christ. Spring has come, but some things are still frozen. As the ice starts to melt it cracks, sending pain jolting throughout the area frozen. This has proven to be quite unbearable at times.
The thawing of a deep freeze is nothing minor. This takes time. A season’s time. It’s going to be painful. There is no story of redemption without depravity. But, he’s right there with me. Through the pain. Through me wrestling with change.
I’ve heard his whispers slowly increase in volume during this season, and now, as the season begins to change, I hear him saying…
there’s no redemption without depravity. mmm… i love that.
gives me hope that redemption will be huge in my life.
Indeed, Alece… I just try to remember that Romans 8:28 is a post-event verse. We’ll look back one day and see how he worked it all together for good. I don’t think it’s a verse that should be told in the midst of something, as most people do. It just seems trite at that point.
Redemption will be huge in your life, Alece. I guarantee it. That’s just how He rolls…
Watching you on your process of restoration has brought Spring in my life, A-ness. Your authenticity has melted much of the ice surrounding my heart.
Great thoughts Josh! BTW, your new layout is freakin’ awesome.
Thanks, sir… It’s so fresh and so clean, I think.
Your writing always seems to have at least one deep, solid, connection to things in my life. This entry is no exception.
I am ready for my spring
I am personally excited about a lot of things for your life, sir, and I can’t wait to hear about God’s doing.