"Out with the old,
in with the new."
Why does that saying
set my teeth on edge?
Is it just me?
Maybe it's because I like the old.
Because change is scary.
Maybe my rut is soft and warm,
comfortable like a down blanket
on a chilly night.
I like to think that I love adventure,
learning new things,
going to new places,
meeting new people.
And I do.
But I also tend to cling to the past,
to the familiar,
rather than hold it loosely.
But while it's true
that comfort zones can turn into excuses,
it's also true
that old things have value.
Old lessons learned,
long-ago dreams remembered.
Memories of love and laughter
to brighten dark days.
Echoes of words that inspired and encouraged
remaining with me through hard times.
Old things shouldn't be discarded lightly,
like garbage on the side of the road.
Shrugged over.
Dismissed.
I look at leaves sprouting,
like new-born babies.
Brilliant green,
tiny,
fragile.
Yet strong enough
to withstand spring's wild weather.
Strong because they sprout
from established wood,
from soil that is made
of old, decomposed matter.
I wouldn't be who I am
without the past.
But neither can I be the person
God has in mind
without change
and newness.
Without stepping forward in faith
to live life as a new creation.
My heart set on
the old story
of long-ago sacrifice,
his love from before time began.
Moving forward into his will,
thankful for the past,
ready for the next step
until I reach the ultimate
comfort zone.
Comments