“…anyone
who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life
has begun!” 2
Corinthians 5:17 NLT
The second thing
that I noticed is my Live Oak tree in the back yard. In about a week’s time its
leaves will begin to turn yellow, then brown and then begin to fall. These
leaves have spent the last year performing a very important task. They have
small (really small) openings in the leaves called stomata. The word stoma in
the Greek tongue means “mouth.” These super-tiny mouths are what the tree
breathes life through. They take in carbon dioxide (CO2) through these stomata
and “breathe out” oxygen. And it is a very good thing they do because it makes
it easier for us humans to breathe when they release this oxygen into the air!
We in the US have
come through one of the coldest winters on record. I think that winter is
headed back down to Antarctica where the average temperature will be about 76
degrees below zero. In the meantime, we should be warm in the US and frying in
the south. But for now, we have the signs from Mother Nature that winter is out
and spring is on her way in. That change as we know is very important each
year. My tree knows that it is time to be off with the old and bring in the
new. Rough winds, damaging rays of the sun, disease and insect damage have all
taken their toll on these leaves and on the vital stomata that take in life for
the tree breathe out life for us humans.
Our souls are the
branches of our lives that grow stomata laden leaves for absorbing and
releasing spiritual life. All year long we encounter situations and trials that
take their toll on our lives. The birth of a beautiful, healthy child or the
start of a new friendship can bring in life to our souls. The strong winds of
adversity and poor health, the insect bites of harsh words from a family member
or boss, the scorching heat of a dead-end job or a difficult financial
situation can all wither our souls and discourage our spiritual growth. As our
souls become stagnant it becomes difficult for us to exhale spiritual life for
those around us – those who depend on us and need us each day.
Are you going
into your next spring of life carrying the dead leaves of past winters? It is
time to start dropping those leaves so you can grow fresh stomata. God is
waiting for you to make that decision. When you step forth in action with the
right attitude He will be there to assist you in the growth and in the attitude
development process. He makes things new. He forgives our past. He is excited
about our future. He is ready to refresh the soul and kick off spring. There is
a psychological advantage to “cleaning house.” Try going through your own
tangible things over the next few weeks. Pick out some things that have no real
value and may have been dead leaves lying around for years. Start a plan of
tossing out the leaves. Throw something away every week for the next few
months. You might be surprised at how good it makes you feel!
And
the One sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And
then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and
true…” I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are
thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.” Revelation
21:5-6 NLT
