"Renew" by Jason Edwards

My children don’t pull any punches, often sharing their thoughts with me about me, whether I ask for it or not. This weekly performance review might include feedback on the fairness of consequences I’ve administered, the quality of my cooking, the hilarity (or lack thereof) of my latest “dad joke,” or any number of other things.  One recent piece of unsolicited feedback I’ve received a couple of times from a couple of my children involves my lagging level of fitness. “Your belly’s looking kind of fluffy.” “Your arms are getting kind of flabby.” Thanks, kids. And, yes, you’re right. Daddy has picked up far more dark chocolate covered almonds than free weights over the past eighteen months.

Nineteen months ago, I was in a rhythm. Nineteen months ago, I had a weekly weightlifting and cardio plan that I kept up pretty consistently. Nineteen months ago, if I missed one workout, it seemed like a really big deal. My body and brain instinctively wanted to make it up and to make sure I didn’t miss again, because it mattered. The rhythm of regular exercise made a positive personal impact not only on my physical health, but on my mental, emotional, and spiritual life as well. When my gym shut down in response to COVID-19, I did what so many others did. I found other ways to exercise. Those other ways have worked ok (when I’ve worked at them) but it hasn’t been the same. Does this sound familiar? Many people of faith have experienced these same kinds of struggles maintaining their commitments to God and life-giving spiritual practices over the past eighteen months as well. How about you? It’s becoming increasingly obvious to me that it’s time to renew some old rhythms and commitments, even if renewal may mean reimagining them as well.

The word “renew” can mean to restore, revive, rebuild, replenish, resume, regenerate or repeat.  “Renewal” can involve replacing something that’s worn out, rundown or broken, extending a contract or covenant, or simply resuming an activity after a state of disruption.

In scripture we hear about being transformed by the renewing of our minds and being made new by the Holy Spirit. The word “renew” literally means new again.

How many ways are you sensing the need for renewal in your life right now? How desperately would you like for God to restore, revive, and replenish your soul? What if there were ways you could choose to partner with God in that renewal?   

September 12 is our Fall Kick-off Sunday, and you’ll find details inside this Monthly describing the fun awaiting us on that day and the community, growth and service opportunities awaiting us beyond it. On that Sunday I will also start a sermon series entitled “Renew,” where we’ll examine the scriptures and our lives for places, spaces, postures, and practices that might foster renewal if we’re willing to renew our commitment to them. Even more, we’re praying this Fall will be a season when we will all choose to renew our relationship to God and one another.

 Will you join us?

With hope,

Jason