2 Corinthians 5:17
Our physical bodies are being renewed every day, even as we age. Through the process of exfoliation, old skin cells fall off and are replaced with new. Internally, our bodies go through a constant, daily routine of detoxification through our liver and kidneys. Our cells are regenerated daily as well. Even our brain cells, once believed to stop growing and rewiring after childhood, are being continually renewed through "neuroplasticity" or the ability of the brain to change and grow as we adapt to life experiences.
The more new experiences and stimulation the brain gets, the greater will be our neuroplasticity. We have the power to enhance all these processes through our lifestyle choices (exercising, eating healthy, learning new things, staying socially active, etc.) or we can allow ourselves to stagnate and wither as we age.
The same is true of our spiritual growth, regardless of our age. The rituals we engage in at church can be lovely and comforting, but if we allow ourselves to be stuck in legalism (rigid rule following) or rote prayer that becomes devoid of any real meaning, we are not allowing for the real work of the Spirit, which is living, dynamic and rooted in love.
The Easter message is this in a nutshell: we can be made new, literally, as we let go of old negative patterns of belief, regrets, emotional pain, guilt over past mistakes...whatever it is that has us stuck. Once we have emptied ourselves of our emotional baggage and have begun to trust in a power greater than ourselves to transform us, the work of change and renewal starts. Like a spring flower, we can begin again.
Today, let's start fresh, trust in the Easter promise and be made new.
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