God's Transformation is Beautiful: Time to Embrace Change

(Note: After writing this blog entry, I realized how scattered my thoughts are, but regardless of the chaotic writing, do read it and ponder where you are on your faith journey in this world)

“Growth will not happen without moving on from who we are now.  We ought not to fear change, but rather, welcome and embrace.” (page 35, Joyce Rupp)

We are often quick to accept things that change but slow to accept changes to our own being.  The above quote was from Joyce Rupp’s Book Open the Door and was a huge reminder to me about experiencing life in this world.  All the experiences and open/closed doors we face in life impact who we are, but does not change the fact that we are children of God.  Reflecting on the story of Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38) and how she seemed slightly hesitant with the situation before her, but she was then soon to embrace the change and the call before her.  Mary went through the door, answered God’s call, and embraced the change even though she was being challenged. 

So I began to ponder, What is it now in my life that I need to embrace?  What in your life do you need to embrace?  How is God transforming who I am in this world?  How do I understand and embrace God's transformation in my life?

Living in the past and living in the future can stress you out, even unknowingly.  We are called to live in the now, to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.  Live in the now and seize the opportunity to impact the world and the lives of other people by how you live your life.  You cannot choose to have God in your life because he is your creator and in your life no matter what, but you can answer the call before you to share God’s love with all people.  Don’t get me wrong, being who you are now is wonderful but we must not be stuck with the idea that this is who we will always be.

As Children of God, we must be open to change in order to grow as God’s people and as a leader and person who can make a difference in the world by how you live life and by seizing the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with all people.

PONDER THIS
Do you accept and embrace change?  Why our why not?

How do you seize the opportunity to share the love of Christ with all people?  What are the challenges?

How do you live your life in order to impact the lives of others?  Do you find this to be challenging?  Why or why not?

What does it mean to you to share the Gospel?

How do you share the gospel beyond the words you speak?

PRAYER
Dear God,
Today is the day, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Give us the eyes to see your presence and the change in our lives,
Give us the heart to embrace the change and transformation in our lives,
Give us the hands and feet to live in the change and transformation in our lives.
May your love shine through us as we strive to live our
 lives in a way that honors God and all people that we meet.  Amen.