This morning I had the chance to do something I truly enjoy – an early morning run on the beach. Actually, I was able to run on the beach twice. This past evening I watched the evening’s dim light give way to dusk, and then darkness. And then this morning, I welcomed the beginning of a new day as the sun crept over the horizon, shooting its rays through a layer of grayish-blue, broken clouds. The only noticeable sounds were those of the waves crashing along the seashore, the rhythmic pounding & crunching of my shoes against the sand / shell combination (not many shells on this stretch of Fernandina Beach, FL), and the occasional calls of the seagulls flying overhead. It was fantastic.
Maybe there’s something symbolic about the beginning of a new day. It’s a fresh start, a clean slate. It reminds me of the redemption God provides for each one of us through the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Ephesians 1:7 NKJV
That’s amazing! The God who spoke all creation into existence, humiliated Himself by taking on human flesh, lived the perfect life that I could never have lived, and then died the death I deserve to die. In doing so, He reconciled a sinner like me, like you, to a Holy God through the sacrifice of His one and only Son, Jesus.
In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Bible tells us, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV)
So remember, if you know Jesus as your Savior, when God looks at you He sees the righteousness of Christ. You’re a new creation. And someday, when Christ returns, a new day will be ushered in for all eternity.
I have heard the following poem multiple times by Bible teacher Ravi Zacharias. I believe it was written by an elementary school teacher. I could not find the author’s name, so my apologies. It is most appropriate in closing.
He came to my desk with a quivering lip,
the lesson was done.
"Have you a new sheet for me, dear teacher?
I've spoiled this one."
I took his sheet, all soiled and blotted
and gave him a new one all unspotted.
And into his tired heart I cried,
"Do better now, my child."
I went to the throne with a trembling heart;
the day was done.
"Have you a new day for me, dear Master?
I've spoiled this one."
He took my day, all soiled and blotted
and gave me a new one all unspotted.
And into my tired heart he cried,
"Do better now, my child."
Author unknown
1 comment:
Hey Jeff-
I enjoyed the poem you chose to end your post. As a teacher myself (and a dean of students) I find that it is so important to forgive others, particularly growing kids who may be developing their sense of right and wrong and need loving guidance to learn from their mistakes.
FYI- and this maybe a guy thing... I am jealous of your run on the beach. While I am not a runner myself (it takes a toll on my knees), I loved my 5/7 day a week gym routine in my pre-monoamniotic twins life. Since the girls have come home, I have only been to the gym twice in the past month- hence feeling a bit out of shape these days. I did get to play baseball with two of my best friends this morning and counted this as such a huge blessing. As I told Jeni later this afternoon, in a brief quiet moment without the joyful squawking of the girls, "dudes need to be active." I am hoping that as the girls grow, I can get into an active work out routine once again, as, perhaps like you, I find it to be such a peaceful and reflective time. That being said, however, there is perhaps nothing more joyous than being able to feed my daughters bottles while we sit on the couch (I look forward to the day they are big enough to ride in the bike carrier behind their dad)!
Enjoy your time in Florida and have a safe trip back to Cleveland. FYI- the Indians are my favorite American League team (I got hooked on them after being at the filming of "Major League").
Take care,
Will
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