Fresh

Driving on a warm, spring afternoon, the wind whipping my hair about my face, the sun warming my skin, and an upbeat song on the radio - today feels fresh.

There's a new hope and excitement that feels as though it's bubbling up inside of me, almost causing me to dance and sing aloud.  It's as though I've been washed clean of all of the slush and mud from the winter and now I'm sprouting a new stem, new leaves, new buds, and the flower is beginning to bloom.  I feel as though I have a fresh new start, and in fact, I do!

It was only last night that I was accepted into the grad program that I have been hoping and dreaming of for the past four months.  My adventure truly is beginning, and I only have four more months to wait!  In four short months, I will be moving from my home of St. Paul, MN for the unknown sights and sounds of Los Angeles, CA.  Fifteen weeks after the program starts, I will be packing up my bags and wishing my friends and family farewell as I board a plane for an unknown land, remaining there for two years.  Exploring theological concepts and development theories, learning a new language, and working alongside community developers internationally, this new adventure will be challenging, faith-growing, and life-changing.  Oh, what I have to look forward to!

While moving to California and then across the world is a definite reason for my feelings of excitement and being refreshed, it has reminded me of another source of renewal - my Lord and Savior.  He has given me a fresh start, even greater than this - His fresh start makes me whole, makes me clean, makes me new.  His death on the cross has given me freedom and provided me redemption to approach the Great I Am.  His resurrection has given me hope and peace, beyond which any earthly conception of joy could ever hope to approach.  His robes of righteousness fall over my shoulders, making me presentable before His Father.  While various circumstances and opportunities may give me a hope for my future and a feeling of adventure, His perfect life and sacrifice renews my life for all of eternity.  May I never forget this, may we never forget this, no matter how the twists and turns of life may cause us joy or pain.  He is ever renewing us, ever refreshing our souls, and ever loving His children.