From Start to Finish

February is a doubly special month in the Parish household. On February 8, 2005, Shane was born into our family. Then, on February 25, 2007, we met Brynna face to face. When these little treasures were born, we were able to behold those who, for so long, were hidden from our view. Sure, we saw some images taken by ultra-sound, and we saw the evidence of their growth in Cristina’s gradually growing middle, but they were still very mysterious creatures to us. Until those birthdays, they were unseen. We named them and prepared for their arrivals because they were very real, but in some ways they remained potential to us. Who would this little stranger become? What will he like? What will her voice sound like? What will their first words be? So close, yet so mysterious! So much excitement and worry about what might be!

Now we know some of the answers to our questions; others have yet to be answered. We’ve become very familiar with their faces and voices, but those faces and voices keep changing. We’ve watched them grow out of diapers, car seats, clothes, baby food, baby teeth, and cribs. They are relentless in their growth both physically and intellectually. They are being shaped and formed by myriad elements all around them – and there is nothing Cristina and I can do to change that. We have to accept this, of course, no matter how unpleasant that may be, but we also have to seize it and use it for God’s glory. Knowing that they are being formed by what surrounds them, we have to make the tough and often inconvenient choices about what will surround and form them. Formation is happening; the question we’re always having to answer is this: what will that formation be?

We all know that this is the way with children. We’ve seen this cycle play itself out over and over in our own families and other families. In fact, we’re seeing this cycle play itself out in our own lives right now. We’re all in the process of formation, actually, no matter what our ages or backgrounds. This is what makes life both challenging and exciting for we who follow Jesus! We know that He is in charge of our formation, and that thrills us to no end because we are sure that He’s got something magnificent in store for us. That’s exciting. The challenge is that He’s called us to be very active participants in the process. He’s got a lot of hard work to do in us if we’re to see a final end to our selfish inclinations and habits, but He’s up to the task. We’ve got our work cut out for us, too, but He has generously equipped up with all of the power tools we’ll need to see the job through: His Word, His Spirit and His Body (which is the Church).

God has already done so much in this new year to show Himself powerful to change and heal us! Watch with me as He continues what He began in us the day we were each born into His family. Like Paul, I am confident of this: “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6) Amen!

Pastor Ryan