Renewal.  Who doesn’t love this concept?  A chance to turn things around, start from scratch, and try again.  We look forward to the beginning of the year because we know the reset button known as the New Year’s resolution is right around the corner.  Students start fresh every new school year, and parents begin anew with each new child.  God even created our earth to go through a renewal with the different seasons he instilled.

The Lord blesses us with the perfection of His creation.  His seasons are truly beautiful and diverse, depending on where you live on the Earth.  The winter provides a time of renewal for the land and all things living in it, and I’m sure it serves an even greater purpose than I can comprehend.

Yesterday, my girls and I took advantage of the über warm 50 degree weather that replaced our frigid and freezing temps from the winter.  While I appreciate the snow and cold for a short time, I’m more than ready for the freedom warmer weather grants me to gain quick and comfortable access to the outdoors.

I believe He created us to thrive outside.  Something wonderful happens when my family and I are able to walk or ride bikes outside on a daily basis.  The fresh air, the sounds of the birds and insects, the smells of flowers and vegetation, and of course the perfectly painted sky: All work together to create a perfect symphony.  We return balanced, recharged, de-stressed, and relaxed.  My soul yearns to be in out in nature.

These moments shared with my daughters are priceless to me.  I see their eyes light up with appreciation for the bright blue sky, puffy white clouds, and warm sunshine allowing them to play unfettered.  I’m transformed into a young girl again and I thank God for sweet snapshots like these.

By taking part in the beauty of His creation, God binds us together seamlessly with the architecture of His design.  Because of His infinite love for us, He not only created a practical Earth, but one that is beautiful beyond compare.  Because of His mercy, we are able to partake in eternal life with Him.  Through repentance and baptism, Jesus allowed us to be justified through His grace.

This is our chance for renewal.  A true gift from our Creator.  Let’s thank Him together with praise in our hearts!

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:4-7