I’m an observer. I like to watch people and I like to watch nature. I’m always looking to see what’s around me. I’m always looking for the unusual or the unique. And I question what I see. For instance, I’m fascinated by how birds will gather together in just one particular spot and all line up on overhead wires – like thirty of them – all in one spot. And it’s a popular spot where birds often flock. Why? Did they have a prearranged plan to meet up? Who decides? I also love to compare the view from the same place but in different seasons. What a miracle to see bare trees and snow and yet months later see gorgeous green leaves and colorful wildflowers dotting the ground. How cool that life can hide away below frozen ground and then emerge when sun and rain calls. Then the same green of summer will turn to the beautiful rich reds and yellows of Fall. You’ve seen a flower emerge from the cracks of busted cement? Like, wow! How did that seed get there and what perseverance and drive made it grow and bloom!

We have such a creative and unbelievable God – who created ALL things! What a mastermind He was – and is! Think of bees and butterflies and all the pollinators that enable plants to bear fruit! Think of critters that EAT insects! Think of the amazing colors and sweetness of fruits like watermelon, raspberries, grapes, and oranges! I could go on and on!

The other day as we were leaving church, I had Ted pause for a moment. We were already in the car, and I noticed this tree.

Don’t you think it’s odd? Do you see how it looks like a small tree within a tree?

It made me think.

🙂

The bigger tree with bare branches looked dead. There were no leaves or even buds of leaves on those empty branches that suggested any life. But yet, emerging from the center, it looked as though new branches appeared. New life! It seemed the perfect representation of having new life in Christ! We are all born sinners, but in Christ we are forgiven and made pure and new and reborn! Just like this tree!

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Please keep that thought in mind today. If you are tired, or you’ve botched things up, or you’ve strayed from your faith, or you feel like you blew it as a parent or a spouse, or you feel like you just want to start over – well, you can! Give it up to Jesus and let Him make you new. Let Him help you with a fresh start. Even if you feel like you are at the end of possibilities with no hope or second chances, let Christ into your heart and let him nurture new growth and a changed YOU!

Revelation 21:5 ESV And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

Have a blessed day!

just Laurel