July 3rd, 2020: Transformation

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Have you ever heard this phrase: "I am too old to change"? It sounds like an excuse when we refuse to take a look at a situation that demands a serious reconsideration of our ideas or positions on specific issues. Sometimes it sounds like a resignation to the fact we are just unable to cope with a very changing world. It might be a good idea to consider a different word when it comes to change - TRANSFORMATION - The continuous change of oneself while impacting others.

Transformation starts with the desire to reflect on all of the life lessons we have learned. It requires the courage to look at what we have gone through and who we have become. We will need to have fair and honest conversations about our successes and failures. For some of us, it is time to examine our journey with God. Transformation is always the beginning and never the end.

Transformation is based on a desire to make a difference in other people's lives. We should not forget that our experiences and knowledge can serve the future younger generations well when we take a chance to mentor them. It is the commitment to see them grow in the face of challenges. We do that with the understanding that they will be better than we are and go further than we did. Serving others is one of the highest callings we have received from God. Transformation is organic.

Transformation is becoming an agent of change. It is about being present when we are needed and counted on when asked. A transforming presence has incredible power, and it tends to bring others alongside. It offers hope and assurance when things are unstable and unpredictable. It is like the voice that still the restlessness of our soul. Transformation has incredible power when we are in touch with our need to be transformed by the power of God daily. It is a powerful experience.

Transformation is a sign of never-ending life. Death does not erase the impact that we have on another person. Transformational experiences will have their place in people's life stories, and generations after generations will hear about them. It is timeless. For me, that is how I embrace these verses in the Bible:

"O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
(Micah 6: 8)

"Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." 
(John 21: 18)

 

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