II Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”
Recently while visiting my son and his wife, along with my daughter, in Lancaster, we enjoyed exploring the unique shops in the downtown area. As we looked through the decorative shops, I noticed that several words beginning with the prefix RE kept appearing to describe the variety of refurbished goods for sale.
For purpose of clarity, I have defined the prefix RE as meaning: again; for a second time; and anew: in a new and different form. Some of the descriptive words, along with their definitions, are as follows:
. REcycle: to cycle again through changes or treatment
. REfresh: to make or become fresh or fresher
. REfurbish: to give new life to old pieces
. REimagine: to form a mental picture of something not present (make new in a different form)
. REmake: to make anew or in a different form
. REnew: to make or become new, fresh, or strong again
. REpurpose: to give a new purpose or use to
. REstore: to put or bring back into a former or original state
. REstyle: to make or style into a prevailing mode
Most of the above-mentioned words were used to describe the REcreation and transformation of various pieces of old, new, or unfinished furniture items. The results were extraordinary. This was of particular interest to me since I had furniture pieces at home that I wanted to change. Even social media sites list a number of businesses using these words to describe their site’s transformation of older, worn-out pieces of furniture, frames, windows, etc.
Today, I received a copy of the October/November issue of the AARP Magazine (yes, I am in that age category), and I began reading an article entitled, “Reimagine Your Life” by Richard J. Leider and Alan M. Webber. Geared to readers in the 50’s+ category, the article explained that they had a ground-breaking new program entitled, “Life Reimagined” and gave readers six guidelines to follow to assist them with answering the question, “what’s next?” and to help navigate them into the next years ahead.
The article intrigued me as it discussed ways to unclutter your life and how to find purpose in the latter years before and/or after retirement. In our society today, most of us live very busy lives and we do not take the time to reflect and explore other possibilities/options that are available to us before or once we reach retirement age. Since I am retired, but with a number of outside interests, I too have asked the age-old questions, “what’s next?”
Although the RE words are geared towards REmaking something out of an old piece, I could not help but REflect upon the profound words in scripture that mention that we are a new creation and REnewal begins within one’s own heart and life. A few of the scriptures are:
. Psalm 51:10 (KJV): “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.”
. Psalm 139:23 (AKJV): “Search me O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts.” (The song, “Change My Heart O God”, written by Eddie Espinosa, was based on his scripture.)
. Romans 12:2 (KJV): And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
. II Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”
Christ paid the ransom and has REdeemed us (to ransom, free, or rescue by paying a price) by his unconditional love and the shedding of His precious blood, and we are now REborn (born again; a new or second birth) into His eternal kingdom forevermore.
Throughout my life, I have always had short or long-term goals–both at home and at work. However, I believe that we should ask for His REdirection, REpurpose, and daily REnewal in our walk with Him, and He will give us the answer to our questions: “What’s next?”, “Where am I going?”, “Where do I begin?”, “How do I get there?”, and “What direction do you want me to take in the next season(s) of my life?” in order to serve Him to the fullest.
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Life is full of possibilities, and even in the last season of your life, the best is yet to come when we completely trust in Him.
Blessings on you,
Yvonne
Finished reading: “The Noticer Returns” by Andy Andrews and “Becoming Myself” by Stasi Eldredge
Currently Reading: “A Million Little Ways” by Emily Freeman