New

New garden outside the Schuylkill!

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

~Isaiah 43:18-19

Why hello! It's been a while! I don't know about you, but as someone still in school, sometimes spring can seem a bit a like a long season of work to chug through until summer starts. For me, spring can be an interesting mix of old and new - wrapping up old projects for the year while the weather changes offer the promise of summer adventures and rest. Despite all of these lovely weather changes, I always reach a point in the spring where it seems like all of the wear and tear of the busy winter seems to leave me feeling just plain tired. This year with all of the craziness of hospital rotations, tests, and family things, this feeling seemed to be more pronounced that usual. As much as I want to look forward to all of the things the summer offers (new jobs, new apartments, seeing family and friends), I can get swept up in the errands needed to make all of these changes happen.

Fortunately, I was able to spend some time relaxing with a friend at the new community garden outside the Schuylkill park. Sitting amidst the fresh flowers and foliage, I was reminded of God's continual offer for new-ness despite my fatigue. I know the idea of new life is something that can become cliche in the church, but something about God's physical demonstration of new life in the changing seasons never ceases to amaze me. I am so grateful that God offers us a physical manifestation of His promise for new spiritual (and physical) life! My hope for us this Thursday is that we can take some time to slow down, and look for the small ways God shows us reflections of the restored life He gives us.