To be renewed in the spirit of your minds and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of truth. Ephesians 4:23-24 CSB

Spring is here! (At least where I live.) The trees are leafing out, ferns are popping up from the forest floor, rains fill the creeks, and mountain laurels are replacing their old leaves, and everything seems green. What signs of spring do you see where you live?

When God’s beautiful creation is renewing and growing, it seems like the perfect time for us to renew our spirits and minds as we walk with the Lord. Sometimes we get in the habit of doing things and don’t really think about it or feel it; we just do it. Maybe you say the same prayer everyday at dinner time and instead of feeling like you’re talking to God, you just repeat the same words as every other day without even thinking about it.

But we want our hearts and minds to seek God, and to try to be more like Him. When I was young, I had a favorite teacher. She was kind and encouraging, she never yelled or seemed upset, she was always calm and smiled a lot. I wanted to be just like her. Who do you admire and want to be like? A friend, or a sports figure, or maybe your mom or dad, or someone famous?

We should feel that same way about God and Jesus. We should want to be like Them. We should try to love and care for others. We should forgive those who hurt us. We should want to read God’s word to learn more about Him. We should talk to Jesus when we have troubles, and He will be with us. We may not be able to do all of these at once.

But this week I want you to pick one thing to work on so that you can be renewed in your walk with the Lord. Talk to your parents and decide together how you can renew your spirit and mind. Maybe make up a new prayer at dinner time. Talk to Jesus like He’s your best friend and know that He’s listening. Forgive someone who’s hurt you. Show kindness to others. Be like Jesus. What one thing are you going to change this week to be renewed like the springtime?

Blessings and joy as you are made new!