Contributing Writer
Dr. Sabrina Anderson
The privilege of renewal
Easter, spring and new mornings are a gift given to each of us. The privilege of renewal is the very simplest expression of personal joy and deep, abiding happiness.
Even the most oppressed and restricted are given this privilege. As a former prison vocational educator, I found my inmate students to be grateful for a new day. There were those convicted and serving life sentences. One specific example comes to mind. This student had committed an egregious crime and most certainly knew he required to pay society a debt of lifetime confinement.
Yet, he had the regular ability to communicate with his family, in a healthy, forgiven way. Every time he wrote to them, he included encouragement and lived his every days engaged in the privilege of renewal.
When we think of the poorest nations, and how they live in slums, cardboard shacks, or even less, we may wonder how do they view daily renewal? We ponder how they find hope to continue each day but they do.
We know that this earth and its circumstances are not our final home, for those that believe, trust in, and fear the Lord Jesus, home is heaven. Hope for a better future renews us all.
Easter is the time we renew our minds, hopes, and that joy comes anew each morning. Christ was not contained by the grave and because He lives, we can certainly face today and tomorrow.
Take a moment to think about a rut you may be in. Are you repeating a routine that does nothing to lift up your life or those close to you? Do you talk nonstop? Do you interrupt others? How possibly can this benefit the renewal of the mind? Pause, edit your thoughts.
Not all you think needs to be stated. People tell themselves the lie that “I only speak the truth”, or “I am a to-the-point-person”.
You are not allowing others the renewal of their own minds when you unload your thoughts all over them like an after-hurricane demolition dump truck.
Choose your words, select your thoughts, be generous with gentle quiet.
The privilege of renewal is for all. May you not steamroll others because of your perceived self-important thoughts and words.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2
This Easter, spring, and each new morning, may you experience and embrace the privilege of renewal.
Dr. Sabrina Anderson
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Dr. Sabrina Anderson lives on
Pine Island in Southwest Florida.
DrSabrinaAnderson@outlook. com
