Seasons of change...

In many ways, wherever you attend church, there is always talk of the seasons changing. That God is doing something new and fresh. We pray for fresh wind or fresh fire to fall upon us. We pray to be included in whatever that new thing is going to be. We get excited and are drawn into the future.

Recently, I've heard myself saying some of those words as well. Several of my friends are dreaming prophetic dreams and hearing from the Lord in new ways. That is there testimony. Their dreams are quite profound, intensely detailed and courageously described, so I believe they are more than just the psychologial working out of my friends' unresolved emotions. But I'm finding myself looking for the interpretation as well. Not just of the details of my friends' dreams, but why there seems to be an increase in this activity? Why are there so few who can interpret these dreams? Why we are left with the excitement and curiosity that there must be some deeper meaning? (Where is Joseph or Daniel these days?)

Prehaps my friends have just reached an age in their lives (or spiritual journeys) where we want something new, something different than the routines we've created for ourselves. Perhaps the dreams stem from that...but there is a lot of buzz these days, or there seems to be about certain angels and other spiritual conversations.

The book called The Shack has many people talking about conversations with Jesus, Father God, and Holy Spirit. I'm glad for that dialogue. I'm glad for the dialogue about dreams, and visions...and seasons of change.

But I'm mindful that the seasons have always changed. Every few months they change, as the earth spins around the sun. Has every generation seen these winds of change? Do some pick up on them and others don't? What sparked the changes in our worship led by Charles Wesley, or Martin Luther (or whomever you would choose to name)? And were their views bringing new vitality to the church, or division?

I'm just really learning some basic church history. Individually Charles and Martin (and many others) are thoroughly impressive. And as much as some of their teachings echo the 'seasons of change' that seem to be upon us again, I'm caught between wanting something new myself, and seeing the benefits of the simple life...and a simple routine....where the change is in my understanding rather than the world around me.

The particular quote that follow has haunted me for a little over two years now. It was shouted out by a random fellow in Toronto's business district...over and over again, until it struck a cord deeply in my spirit (and perhaps several of those standing with me): "What day is this?"

"What day is this?"

Eventually, that fellow was forceably removed. But I'm thankful to have stood in that moment, listening to his cry, because his words helped me through so many of the dark days since then.

Since that day, I've stopped looking for the seasons of change and started appreciating the beauty of God in the little moments in each day. Fresh Mana. New every morning. Especially... as... the seasons change.

This is the Lord the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)