Renewal

This past weekend, we celebrated Arbor Day.  What was neat for my family and myself, we were able to do so in Nebraska City, NE, where it all began.  Our kids were thrilled with the various hands-on opportunities that there were for learning.  Mommy and Daddy were thrilled that there was so much for kids to do and learn, and that they were so worn out by the end of the day, getting them to bed was not as big of a deal as it can be at times.

Throughout the weekend, I contemplated the reason behind Arbor Day.  To purposely plant trees to replace those that have been cut down for food, because of age or disease, etc.  We have more than five trees in our yard and two sides of our house is nicely shaded from the afternoon and evening sun.  That's great, since it helps to cut down on heating costs.  And, they provide a little bit of a wind break during the winter, which of course helps with heating costs.

While driving around the country over the years, I noticed that many farms have trees surrounding their buildings.  At first, I didn't really understand why one would want so many trees.  But, as I have grown older, I've come to understand it better.

Unlike some resources that we have, like natural gas, coal, and oil, trees are a renewable resources.  That is, we can grew a new tree within 30-40 years, or even less, to replace ones that we cut down.  That means, if people are harvesting older trees within a forest, if they plant new trees as they cut the older ones down, in 10-20 years, the young trees will be approaching maturity for harvesting.  All the same time, they will continue to provide shade, home and food for animals.

As I though about the wonder of renewable resources, my mind drifted to spiritual renewal.  For those who know me, you probably are thinking, "And we're supposed to be surprised, why??"

As I shared earlier, I see the Christian faith as like a journey, but more to it.  One's relationship with God through the saving work of Jesus Christ is just like any other relationship.  It takes time and energy to start, and time and energy to maintain.  Just as with any friendship, family relationship, marriage, from time-to-time, one or the other, or even both, drift away.  The same is true with our relationship with God.  There are times when the cares of the world, our personal interests and/or hobbies, work, etc., start becoming our focus.  When that happens, our relationship with God stagnates.

Just like we have to purposely plant trees to renew that resource, so we also have to 'plant time' to renew our relationship with others and with God.  That is, we have to purposely make time to spend with God in prayer, Bible study, corporate worship, etc.

And, as I write this, I'm reminded of the fact that I have been neglecting quality time with God most days.  Some days, I spend good quality time with God throughout the day.  But, too often than not, I don't spend much time with God except for the occasional prayer.  It's just so easy, getting caught up with job hunting, taking care of the kids, taking care of chores around the house, that spending time with God is put on the back burner.

In today's society, with so many things in competition for our time, it's so easy to neglect things that are most important.  Regular exercise, spending quality time with friends and family, spending quality time with God, all can easily be set aside.  We have to consciously choose to prioritize things in our lives.  Is it easy?  Absolutely not.  But, though it's not easy, we have to ask ourselves:  What do we claim is most important to us?  Do our actions actually reflect that?