I haven’t written down my thoughts in a while.
Mostly because I haven’t been able to put into words the things that have been so precious to me.
When we went through the stem cell transplant this summer, a strong theme in my prayer life developed. “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) Of course, that was the theme of the summer. New stem cells, new blood, a new lease on life. I started several reflections on the idea of “new” and what that might mean as we re-entered our world after two months of treatment and isolation. New blood and new life are foundational to our Christian scriptures and thinking, and my mind was dizzy with these concepts. So, I resolved to sit quietly with these ideas. I comforted myself with the humble phrases of Psalm 131:
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
And so, it has been. A quiet, contented state, to be home, to live in a newness unable to be named. A new peace. “I do not occupy myself with things too great or too marvelous for me.” My quiet days are filled first with thanksgiving… for everything. You name it. They are gentle days with limited tasks. Less ambitious, less industrious, less demanding than my natural inclinations. This is by intent. This new way is, no doubt, the wisdom of God, asking me to slow down, and take everything in. Notice everything. Be attuned, be alert to the vibrant creation around me… and that certainly includes people and relationships. It’s as if the Lord has said to me… “Behold” …. No, not just look around you but “BEHOLD” take it all in, absorb it, saturate yourself in my Presence and glory, which is everywhere.
So, I have been enjoying each day, full of morning walks, quiet chores, sunny days in the flower beds, rainy afternoons with tea, homemade soup, etc. etc. Each day is enough. I need no more, no less. Is this what Jesus meant for me when he said I will put new wine in new wineskins? (Matthew 9:17) Whatever new peace He has given me, it is changing me. But still, this new way eludes my words and leaves me helpless like a child. Until today. At least today I have a title for what I have been experiencing. Ecce Novum.
I was listening to the most beautiful hymn by one of my favorite composers, Ola Gjeilo. Because I learn new music every day, I looked to see the name of this ethereal piece that transported me. Ecce Novum. I do not read Latin easily, so I looked up the translation. “Behold the New” was the title. Yes. Exactly, I thought. Somehow the new is served to us only in our ability to behold it. To perceive it. To really look for it. Then suddenly it is everywhere. We are saturated in possibilities – a new way to see each day, a new way to see outcomes, a new perspective on priorities and purpose, a new way to love simply, easily – without too much ambition, industry or demand. The Lord said “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19) The new thing that God wants to do for us has everything to do with how well we are paying attention to him and what he is doing around us.
The new way that God was alluding to in Isaiah 43 was the new kingdom about to break through, a new way of living – a way of peace, a way of mercy, a fullness of spirit and abundance and blessing. The new thing that God was doing came in the new life of a baby, whose cry broke the darkness of the night. It seems appropriate to me that just on the brink of this holy event, God would say to me and to you, “Behold the New” … Ecce Novum. Look. Pay attention. Be Alert. We don’t have to keep doing things the same old way. There is a new way. What do you need to be new in your life? Behold… Jesus. Ecce Novum.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away:
Behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
MERRY CHRISTMAS!