Transformation

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year for a couple of reasons. One, it signifies a change in our weather. Typically this time of year our weather begins to improve drastically. Buds appear on the trees. Crocuses start blooming. Birds are chirping. A rebirth of nature. An awesome time of year.

Second, this is Masters week. The week that the golfing world's eyes are on Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. I have watched this tournament, one of golf's four "majors," since I was a kid and it remains one of my favorite sporting events to watch.

I love this for a couple of reasons. One, the course is perhaps the most immaculate course in the world. It is impeccable with lush green grass and blooming azalea and dogwood-lined fairways. In addition to the incredible beauty, the greens are slick with lots of undulations which makes for some very exciting golf.

I received an email back in February showing some pictures of Augusta National under a blanket of snow (see hole # 11 above). Quite a different site as compared to what this hole normally looks like (see picture below).

And this this snow-covered picture was taken less than two months from when the tournament was to begin! The transformation that would be needed in such a short time was mind boggling to me.

Very appropriate timing considering the amazing transformation that took place a couple thousand years ago yesterday. Transformation from Good Friday to Easter...Jesus transforming from death to life.

Because of what Jesus did for us, we, too, have this power to transform our lives, no matter what we have done or what we are facing. I encourage you to ask God to help you to transform you into the person He desires you to be.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Romans 12:2a

Transformation

Three weeks ago I came home from a meeting to find our basement full of water. Today, I go down in our basement and find an entirely different room. It looks great! While it is not the same as ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover, our basement has been transformed.

It didn’t just transform by itself, it cost my wife and I (and even our kids) something. First, it cost us some money as our insurance didn’t fully cover the damages. Second, it cost us quite a bit of sweat (our effort) and our time in moving stuff, re-attaching baseboards and doors, prepping and painting the walls and moving everything back after the carpet was laid. But, it was worth it!

This morning as I was down there I thought about how our lives are quite similar. They, too, can be transformed. Much the same way as our basement, a transformed life will cost something as well. Consider these possibilities:
· Pride – coming to a point when we realize we cannot do it alone and we need our Heavenly Father
· Pride – we may need to repent and ask someone for forgiveness (even if we’re only partially at fault)
· Consequences – we may have to pay the price for our mistakes
· Effort – it may be hard to turn the other way from our old ways or our old addictions

However difficult, you must know that God is in it with you and that you can do it!

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13