Claiming Your New Identity
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Dear Friends,
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Change often happens over time. It is gradual. It occurs before you realize that something is different. I am a Grampy now. My granddaughter slept over recently. That's when I noticed it. I am a little slow at times. I went around the house to pick up. I folded up the sofa bed. I put the blankets away. As I looked around the room, it dawned on me that our home was going through a transition.
Now I have to tell you that my wife, Lori, was more aware of it than I was. She willingly participated in it. Four and a half years ago we became grandparents for the first time. A car seat suddenly appeared. So did a stroller. Then came a high chair. She knew what was happening and she embraced it and prepared for it. She understood that we needed to be ready for our new stage of life.
With two babies born in the last three weeks, we now have five little ones, four of them under two years old. With the influx of grandchildren, our den had been transformed into a playroom. There is a toy box in the corner. It is next to a small rocking horse. A Little Tikes basketball hoop stood in front of the fireplace. Nearby is a basket of assorted balls. That is just one room.
A Hot Wheels track had been set up in the living room with an assortment of mini monster trucks next to it. On the floor of our spare bedroom is an assortment of games including Score Four, Trouble, and Candyland. There is a dollhouse there, too. In the kitchen you will find shelves stocked with fruit snacks, gerber juices, puffs and yogurt treats. I love it and I am enjoying my new identity as a Grampy.
The truth is that life is always changing. Nothing stays the same. That is good. God created us to embrace new life and grow. I remember reading Lee Strobel's book, The Case for Christ, back in the early 2000's. He tells his readers that when his wife told him that she had become a Christian, he was mortified. In his mind it signaled the end of his marriage. He wasn't ready for it.
Yet, Strobel noticed a positive, loving transformation in his wife's personality and behavior. It challenged his cynical view of religion. He did what a reporter would do. He began an investigation into the Christian faith. That journey changed his life. In the end, Lee embraced Christ as his Lord and Savior. His life changed and he began writing a new chapter in his personal story.
Strobel's story has been repeated time and again. The truth is that a deep abiding faith often happens over time. It took Strobel almost two years to come to that moment where he could embrace Jesus. Only a few of us have Damascus Road experiences like the Apostle Paul. For the vast majority of us it comes through our life experiences. Once we meet Jesus things begin to change.
Your life will begin to show the effects of walking with the Lord. The things you give up and the things you embrace will reflect your faith. So fill your life with the fruit of the Spirit; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. It won't be long before people know you belong to Jesus.
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God bless. See you in church! I'll be there with Jesus.
Pastor Cal
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You can contact me at calstigers@gmail.com
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