My husband and I are getting ready to have our master bathroom renovated. We’re saying goodbye to the wood paneling, a strange coffin-shaped archway, a ceiling that is half ceiling tile and half dry wall, and the strange arrangement of having the only electrical outlet as far as possible from the current vanity. We spent many months picking out tile, cabinet color, and counter tops, and after several setbacks around budget or inventory or you name it, it looks like everything is finally set to go! The only remaining question is the exact start date, and after the new year that should all get ironed out. It has been a long but also an exciting process for us – something neither one of us has ever been involved in before. We are doing our own demolition and painting, and are excited to get started. I even took some pictures the other day so that we can eventually have before and after photos to share.
This time of year is a good time to think about renovations in our spiritual lives too. What has been functioning well in our lives in 2014? What may God be calling us to change, invest more in, or even tear down in 2015?
As we begin this new year, I have been reflecting on a few things about the renovating work the Holy Spirit is doing in each one of us:
- Remembering that every person is created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27).
- Doing the work of renovation involves tearing down and building up. (Ecclesiastes 3:3b) That means some things in my life right now may be keeping me from living and serving in the ways God is calling me. Also, I may need to seek ways to grow and make some additions to my spiritual life.
- True renovation in our spiritual lives has an outward focus – How can I grow in my love of God and others in the new year? How can I be an instrument of peace?
May God be with you and each one of us as we move into 2015. May it be a time of renovation for us, to the glory of God.[Pastor Jessica Strysko]
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