That Final Crossing
Seasons of Change: A Birthday Devotional
Waking to the sounds of little girl whisperings, I remembered that the
day was a special one – my birthday.
I pretended to be asleep while I let my daughter sneak into our bedroom
“unnoticed” and ask my husband for
help with the griddle.
Mmmm pancakes and no work on my
part.
Now, that’s what I call the start of a special day!
I’ve heard that when some people get to a “certain age” birthdays are no fun anymore. In fact, they become a dreaded day. But I don’t know, maybe I haven’t gotten to that stage yet, or maybe I never will.
Because when you really think about it –birthdays just bring us one year closer to Jesus.
day was a special one – my birthday.
I pretended to be asleep while I let my daughter sneak into our bedroom
“unnoticed” and ask my husband for
help with the griddle.
Mmmm pancakes and no work on my
part.
Now, that’s what I call the start of a special day!
I’ve heard that when some people get to a “certain age” birthdays are no fun anymore. In fact, they become a dreaded day. But I don’t know, maybe I haven’t gotten to that stage yet, or maybe I never will.
Because when you really think about it –birthdays just bring us one year closer to Jesus.
A former pastor of mine sends out a fresh birthday message each year to everyone
on his mailing list.
In this year’s note, he congratulated me on crossing another milestone of years in my journey of life.
I liked his imagery of the “crossing” and he even brought it back at the end of the letter saying:
on his mailing list.
In this year’s note, he congratulated me on crossing another milestone of years in my journey of life.
I liked his imagery of the “crossing” and he even brought it back at the end of the letter saying:
“May our wonderful Lord … bless you and help you in the days ahead as you prepare for the crossing of that final milestone of life.”
My former pastor, well into his 80s himself, joyfully reminded me that death is not an end all – but simply a crossing over for the Christian into his/her next phase of life – where we get to live in heaven with Jesus himself.
Life’s “crossings” can be interesting can’t they? I guess I would define them as seasons of change. Sometimes they are visible like a move or a job switch – and sometimes they can be spiritual and represent growth in our walk with Christ.
Throughout history, mankind has had some pretty serious “crossings” that affected large groups of people.
As a historical fiction buff, I’ve read my fair share of stories about the Oregon Trail. I loved reading about the grit and endurance of the pioneers during this epic crossing.
The experience of the Oregon Trail changed lives and is an incredible study on the human spirit.
My former pastor, well into his 80s himself, joyfully reminded me that death is not an end all – but simply a crossing over for the Christian into his/her next phase of life – where we get to live in heaven with Jesus himself.
Life’s “crossings” can be interesting can’t they? I guess I would define them as seasons of change. Sometimes they are visible like a move or a job switch – and sometimes they can be spiritual and represent growth in our walk with Christ.
Throughout history, mankind has had some pretty serious “crossings” that affected large groups of people.
As a historical fiction buff, I’ve read my fair share of stories about the Oregon Trail. I loved reading about the grit and endurance of the pioneers during this epic crossing.
The experience of the Oregon Trail changed lives and is an incredible study on the human spirit.
I think also of the crossing of the Israelites who took their first shaky steps out on the dry ground of the Red Sea as they moved towards an uncertain future.
As walls of water surrounded them on both sides and their enemy pursued from behind, the Israelites crossed on over to a whole new life that would require serious steps of change and growth.
As walls of water surrounded them on both sides and their enemy pursued from behind, the Israelites crossed on over to a whole new life that would require serious steps of change and growth.
That
morning of my birthday, as my family busily prepared my special breakfast, I
took a quick peek into our butterfly habitat.
Earlier in the summer, we had found a small caterpillar in our parsley patch and brought it inside to witness its metamorphosis. It wasn’t long, after it had had its fill of the parsley we picked for it, that it changed into a chrysalis.
And that morning I was greeted by the fluttering of wings! Our little friend had made his own crossing during the night, and I was greeted by a beautiful black swallowtail with wings that reminded me of the stained glass windows on an old country church.
I knew it was my birthday gift -- what a wonder!
And when we released it a few moments later, my heart fluttered at the sight of it as I saw that butterfly embrace its next stage of life.
No, birthdays aren’t so bad. Not when there’s cake and the promise of a bright future that will last even after the candles have long since gone out.
Photo courtesy of professional photographer Naomi Lasdon -- my friend and colleague.
See more of her work at: http://naomilasdon.smugmug.com/
Earlier in the summer, we had found a small caterpillar in our parsley patch and brought it inside to witness its metamorphosis. It wasn’t long, after it had had its fill of the parsley we picked for it, that it changed into a chrysalis.
And that morning I was greeted by the fluttering of wings! Our little friend had made his own crossing during the night, and I was greeted by a beautiful black swallowtail with wings that reminded me of the stained glass windows on an old country church.
I knew it was my birthday gift -- what a wonder!
And when we released it a few moments later, my heart fluttered at the sight of it as I saw that butterfly embrace its next stage of life.
No, birthdays aren’t so bad. Not when there’s cake and the promise of a bright future that will last even after the candles have long since gone out.
Photo courtesy of professional photographer Naomi Lasdon -- my friend and colleague.
See more of her work at: http://naomilasdon.smugmug.com/
Here are some Bible verses that'll help you on your journey:
Revelation 22:1-5 New International Version 1984
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing
from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
No longer will there be any curse.The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
Romans12:2 Amplified Bible
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and
adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by
the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so
that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect
will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in
His sight for you].
Matthew 5:48 Amplified Bible
You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Revelation 22:1-5 New International Version 1984
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing
from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
No longer will there be any curse.The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
Romans12:2 Amplified Bible
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and
adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by
the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so
that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect
will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in
His sight for you].
Matthew 5:48 Amplified Bible
You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.