Transformations Along the Lifeway

I am a summer kind of guy. I love the heat of the sun, the length of the days and the sounds, sights and smells that make summer what it is. Conversely, I am not overly enthusiastic about winter. If we could do three seasons instead of four, I would be a very happy man.

Watching the Midwestern landscape transform from shades of brown to the colors of spring, remind me of a song from the ‘70’s; ‘Kodachrome They give us those nice bright colors They give us the greens of summers Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, Oh yeah’

I love to watch as the dullness of winter yields to the new life of spring; as the hay fields, which seem to transform overnight into the rich green of newfound vitality, interrupt the fields of light brown corn stubble. A spirit of hope arises within me as I see the trees adorn themselves with the tender buds that will soon burst forth into full foliage.

I enjoy autumn also. Being partial to impressionist art, I love the manner in which God expresses His creativity in the multitude of colors autumn brings. However, give me a summer day where I can feel the heat of the sun on my face, hear the song of the cicada in my ears, and the freedom from the confining walls of the house, and I am happy.

There are many parallels to life here. We experience these seasons of life many time from birth to death. There are those times of great joy and pleasure, and there are times of great sorrow and at times despair. Our lives are composed of many cycles which are generally dictated by circumstances, circumstances that can begin either the transformation from a time of joy to a time of sorrow, or a time of pain and despair into the promise of hope; Transformation.

The transformative times in our lives can cause much confusion. On one hand, there is great adventure in seeing things change without knowing what they will become, and on the other, there is the impatience with the dead cold winter and the longing for anything that frees us from its grip. Some hopes and dreams seem unattainable, permanently out of our reach, and we therefore grasp for the closest facsimile of that dream in hopes that it will suffice. All too often, this leads to yet another time of winter. The desire to see change many times overrides the natural order of seasonal movement. We need to hold fast to the dreams and promises God has given, and allow Him to bring transformation in His time.

At other times, we become so mired in the snowdrifts of life, that as these drifts melt we become entrapped in the mud that is left behind. We must extricate ourselves from this grip and once again continue the journey.

There are three keys to a joyful journey on our lifeway. First, we must have a relationship with the one who loves us beyond measure, Jesus Christ. Second, we must move forward and look to the next horizon. Third, we must choose well the memories and events of the past we allow to color our attitude toward the journey.

The underlying joy we have as believers should allow us to weather the storms, and return us once again to a place of happiness and fulfillment. Joy is the foundation of enduring happiness, and the joy of serving a loving heavenly Father is the only true joy in life. It becomes the motivation needed for the journey.

Today, as you look out the window and see the transformation of nature take place; remember the transformative times of your life. Do not allow the sepia tone landscape of winter to detour your journey of joy, but instead look to the lush vibrant colors of summer to re focus your point of view and move you forward on your lifeway.

Enjoy the Java

Jim