OMG. . .The Aspens

True encounter with Christ liberates something in us, a power we did not know we had, a hope, a capacity for life, a resilience, encounter an ability to bounce back when we thought we were completely defeated, a capacity to grow and change, a power of creative transformation.  —Thomas Merton 

It’s that time of year.  Spring. However, New Mexico has a different idea of Spring.  Here today.  Gone tomorrow.  Literally.  70’s with gorgeous blue skies  Next day, snow flurries, with a bit of hail mixed in.

OMG. … In So Many Ways. . .New Mexico saying “fooled ya”!

And then there’s the Aspens.  My Aspens.  Messiest tree ever.  Spring.  Fall.  Blowing caterpillars off the porch.  And everywhere else.  Well, they really aren’t caterpillars, but they look like them.  Seems never-ending. 

OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . .but then the tiny green leaves begin to pop. 

The caterpillars make way.  “Okay, leaves, your turn.”  My heart bursts!  The Aspens are returning.  My Aspens!  Which house the resident neighborhood owl.  Where finches eat from the bird feeder.  That gives shade on sunny summer afternoons.

OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . . I am reminded.

I am encountering Christ.  His constant inflow of power and love.  Maybe like the Aspens, I have gone dormant for a bit.  Perhaps small bits, here and there.  Also periods of long dormancy.  But the Christ encounter allows for the capacity to grow and change.  The power of creative transformation

OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . .I recognize the Aspens are my Christ encounter.

Don’t stay stagnant. You know that idea?  Give it a try!  Grow!  Change! The messiness becomes beauty.

OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . .Aspens. . .a Christ encounter. . .what is yours?