“Never be afraid
to sit awhile and think.”
— Lorraine Hansberry,
A Raisin in the Sun
Long ago I figured out a simple fact about myself: I must establish a place and regularly schedule a time in that place to renew. Regroup. Rethink. Recommit. In the winter I like to pull up my favorite leather chair, grab a quilt and sit near our stove in the family room. It’s cozy and warm and welcoming.
Renewal is a multi-faceted process involving more than temporary escape from the people, noise and obligations in our lives. Renewal can also take place in our hearts and be reflected in our attitudes, no matter the people or situations surrounding us. This kind of renewal is deep and spiritual and has the potential to be life changing.
It begins for me when I acknowledge and thank God that there is rhyme and reason, a process and a timing in the universe that includes each one of us. Renewal on some level begins each time I dip into the Bible. It is here, for example, that I read in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
The longer I live and the deeper I venture into life’s myriad experiences, the more I depend on renewal (God’s obvious touch and inspiration) for I intend to contribute enthusiasm, hope, strength and peace into a world that frequently presents health scares, violence and career instability. I know how I want to maneuver but I do not have the strength in and of myself to always be strong. In my cozy chair I meet Him.
The struggle is ongoing for each one of us on many levels. But God is on duty; He is awareness of all that brings us to our breaking points and onto our knees. And while His promises can soothe our worries, God also marries each tender promise with a request that we step forward and trust — Oh, so hard to do at times! — incorporating Him into our daily thoughts and plans.
Renewal can be experienced in yet another form. If we ask for the internal eyes to catch His plan for our lives, God will supply each one of us with new dreams and paths, hope and energy. Although such dreams can complicate our lives by stripping away our treasured routines, requiring that we walk down unknown paths and choose new venues of faith, these new adventures can also renew and clarify our ultimate purpose for living. By working toward the goal of living within God’s plan for our lives, trusting Him and seeking Him daily, we have greater potential to experience prosperity. New friends. Personal fortitude. Deep and passionate growth. Strength for our family members and friends. Hope for a world in collective angst and struggle.
Let’s ask God to help us discover ways to find renewal this week, for there are plans God has for each of us. Let’s each renew so we have the courage to live extraordinary lives.
Joan Bay Klope can be reached at faithfulliving@hotmail.com.
