Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.
Romans 12:2 (CEB)
Pondering a theme for this most unusual year, the MennoExpressions team observed that the pandemic continues to transform our lives in myriad ways. However, in exploring our topic, it is clear that even in more ordinary times, if those exist, the changes and progressions in life and nature around us continue a never-ending metamorphosis.
Amazingly, flour, yeast and water can be blended and heated to create bread—a fragrant and delicious miracle. Tiny tadpoles wiggle and grow as they sprout legs and finally jump from their pond as frogs. Fuzzy chicks peck their way out of an egg. And a piece of lumber cut from a tree, can be transformed into a beautiful and useful new door, when the artist is skilled and diligent!
As spring gains traction over winter, bulbs, bushes and trees awaken and bring color and fragrance to our yards and gardens. In Japan, celebrations accompany the bursts of cherry blossoms and include a special time of Hanami, or “flower viewing.” Friends and family gather outside to feast and drink under the trees, as they marvel at the transformation of barren branches into scented pink clouds in a floral sky.
This spring issue features photos and stories highlighting our FMC high school seniors, who are to be celebrated for perseverance as they complete their unique year! College and post graduate students will be awarded degrees, and receive congratulations on their years of diligent study! The pandemic transformations in education have been consequential for teachers and students, so we have included views into the experiences of children, as well as university professors.
Our writers share remembrances and images of family gardens, deep ancestral ties, and changes to life and cooking. Looking back at winter thoughts of an icy reservoir accentuates the vernal changes as snowy days melt away. The promise of rebirth in the world around us is a metaphor for the joy and hope found in the resurrection of Jesus after the dark days and hard ground of Lent. To God be the Glory.
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
Psalm 118: 1
The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever!
About the author
Carol Mullet
Sometimes transformation starts with recognizing the need for change. After more than a year of intermittent work on our upstairs guest room area, we are still in the midst of drywall dust and to-do lists. But as I order new lights, I can see the end of the project, and know that there will soon be a welcoming space where we can host friends and family after a year without visits. That will be a transformation indeed!