All Things New

Finally. Nature’s long, wet winter is over. Our reservoirs are healthy and “spring has sprung” as they say. Bright yellow daffodils have announced its arrival. The chartreuse branches of willow trees sway with the warm breezes. Other signs abound. This awakening is truly something to behold. And yes, we love to perceive it! (Unless allergies persist!)

Scripture tells us through many verses that God is assuredly the author of all things new. And this newness comes in many forms in our spiritual journey. It is manifested through repentance, forgiveness, restoration, and renewal. As we practice these gifts of grace, we truly can experience newness of heart, mind and spirit. Thanks be to God.

The theme verse above also mentions “a way in the wilderness” and “rivers in the desert.” Please allow me to elaborate a bit:

I’m thinking that these words could definitely correlate with many of our life situations. Each of us readers could name a wilderness or desert experience that we are going through right now; something that is heavy on our hearts.

One of mine would be that my pastor, Rev. Dr. Meggan Manlove, has been elected as the new Bishop of the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA. What wonderful new challenges await her. And the Synod will truly be blessed by her leadership. She will be “a way in the wilderness” for the Synod. What an honor it has been for our people to have helped prepare her for this next big, new thing. We will send her off with love mixed with sadness, and great gratitude for her gifts to us all these twelve plus years.

BUT that also means that our church family will be needing “rivers in the desert” very soon.

Who will be selected by our Synod as our interim pastor? Who will be chosen as our “river” (pastor), bringing new life to our “desert” (our congregation)? The unknowns are difficult. Only God knows.

But this verse also says “I will.” That is a promise and God keeps promises. I believe that the Holy Spirit is at work even now, preparing those individuals. And we will welcome them warmly when the timing is fulfilled. Having been through this with my congregation a few times over 30 years, I can testify to the fact that God is faithful to provide exactly who we need. Just as Pastor Meggan was to Trinity when she first became our pastor in November 2010. And just as others were before her.

We will take God at his word. “Behold! I am doing a new thing.”