Hope in New Life

As I was walking along a park, from the bart train station to my apartment, I came across this tree and just had to take a picture. Seeing the buds on these branches bursting open, and unfolding in beauty, in the warmth of the sunlight brought so much peace and hope as I think about my life. Just as this tree comes into bloom year after year after year, because of Christ this can be true of my life as well. I choose, because of grace, to burst open, year after year, and more so (hopefully) day after day.

A friend just told me that when she thought about her future she used to picture a huge black hole. But instead she now chooses to picture a sun rising over an ocean with a whole bright day ahead of her. I want a similar picture to come to mind when I think about my future. What comes to mind right now this is blossoming tree. I know that 2011 will bring change. My hair will grow (and then I'll cut it), I'll get some new things, I'll try some new things, and most importantly I'll continue to take steps of faith in areas of my life. In all these things, and more, I want to have hope and peace as I put one foot in front of another. This is only possible if I keep Christ's perspective and remember that He's worth living for - life is new in Him, because of Him, and for Him daily. I am so thankful!