“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
A little kindergarten boy came up to me last week, put his arms around my waist, and looked up with the sweetest smile. “You’re the old sub,” he said. Yes, I agreed with him that I was indeed the old sub. I don’t know if he thinks I’m really old or if it was his way of distinguishing me from other subs. Most likely, I am the oldest sub he’s seen or had in his classroom. No matter, I accepted it as an honor and went on with the day. Thank God for children.
I know that little boy doesn’t know I’m getting close to 80 years old, and it would not mean much to him even if he did. But, it means something to me. God has blessed me with these years and I’m thankful. I’m thankful to be able to spend a few days with young children and for the days in between to rest!
God will one day make all things new. This time of year brings new life. New flowers, new grass, new leaves on the trees, new blossoms with the promise of fruit to follow. Here on the farm, I’m enjoying new calves. I enjoy springtime. It reminds me there is hope even during the times when things seem hopeless.
We’ve been having many chilly days and cold nights, but we also enjoyed warmer days a month ago. Now we’re wondering if spring will ever come. But we have hope because the seasons often work this way.
I have hope that one day I will be new again. As a Christian I am already a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (1 Cor. 5:17). And the Apostle Peter reminds us, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13). Yes, the old will become new! Old bodies will become new bodies. Without time, no one will ever be old.
In the meantime, we have the assurance of God’s ever present love and mercies. Our assurance of the “old made new” is made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus, our Savior. Thank you, God!
Happy Resurrection Day!