"In the beginning God created..."
~ Genesis 1:1a
God created you.
God created me.
God created all of His children on purpose for a purpose.
God created the heavens and the earth.
God created all creatures great and small.
And, that's the end of the story, right?
We're all perfectly crafted by the Creator and that's that.
Right?
Okay, I'm being a little silly.
If you've known me for any period of time, you'll know that I actually believe we are co-creators with the Father, that the work we're meant to do in this world is intended to be in partnership with Him.
When it comes to partnering with Him in overhauling and remodeling ourselves, how do we transform?
There are all kinds of strategies and techniques, some we've talked about and many more we shall someday.
Today, I have just one in mind.
Today, I'm in a little Montana town with my father helping out with the family business and I passed this charming home.
They're doing a wonderful job fixing it up, but it was both the way it's being done and the stage it's in that had me go back to take a second look and this snapshot to share.
First, it's in transition. Aren't we all.
Second, in this case, the transformation is happening from the outside in... so to speak.
In the realm of personal development, we almost exclusively talk about transforming our minds, hearts, souls, emotions, thoughts... inside out stuff.
But, while this reminded me of and had me thinking about many things, one of them was the reality that sometimes it's possible to transform from the outside in. Of course, when we do the work on the outside, we simultaneously develop behaviors, practices, habits, and disciplines that also transform us on the inside. There's the outside in thing, I suppose.
Should you desire the loss of a few pounds, do you think what it would take to accomplish the goal might shift something in who you are day-by-day? In the choices you make?
Outside in.
When you pull out that outfit that makes you feel classy, and the boots that make you feel sassy (if you're anything like me,) doesn't that too transform something on the inside for the duration of the day?
Definitely, outside in.
Slap a proverbial coat of paint on me and things begin to change... and not just for the subject in question, but for the neighborhood (substitute friends and family) as well.
Ripple effects begin, and one never knows where they might carry us, or others.
I think that's part of why God asks us to be diligent with our bodies and the way we present ourselves in the world.
And, outside in is one way we can begin to turn our corner of the world on its axis a bit. Not just for ourselves, but for the concentric circles moving out as well.
Just a li'l food for thought.
May your week be blessed!
Abba Father,
Thank You, for helping us to be co-creators with You.
Thank You, for transforming us from the inside out and inspiring us to be gregariously active participants in that journey.
And, thank You, for giving us insight into means of transforming from the outside in, as that too has its place.
Thank You for helping us to be the best child we can be so we are able to live into and live out Your design, so that we might live up to who You created us to be... in partnership with You.
All of these things we pray in Your most holy names.
Amen.
"Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave..." ~ 1 Corinthians 9:27-28a
"He has made everything beautiful in its time..." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11a
"... being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 1:6
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
Sharables! ...and, hey, thanks for sharing. ♥
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