It's a Magical World

Life is beautiful. It is hard to escape the wonder and grandeur of our incredible surroundings, but often times the mistakes and injustices we see in our lives and in the lives of others can obstruct our view. As a result, we may often long for the innocence of a child. What would it be like to see life once again from a new and fresh perspective? The world is full of new beginnings, clean slates, and fresh starts for those who are searching. As we conclude with our final post, there's no better way to draw this blog to a close than soaking in the beauty of Bill Watterson's final strip, the grand finale to a dazzling masterpiece.

Cartoon by Bill Watterson.

The sheer wonder and excitement of a fresh snowfall captures the essence of Calvin's six-year-old spirit. The beauty of his young heart, passionate and eager to explore, matches the brilliance of his surroundings. Overwhelmed by this marvel of nature, Calvin joins his best buddy as they embark on a day of discovery and fulfillment.

They don't have their entire day mapped out, but they know it's going to be a blast. They have each other, and there's no one they'd rather share this incredible experience with. With adventurous hearts, they're ready for a new day of thrills as they bond, learn, and grow together.

In the world around them, the dirty, brown and bleak land that existed the night before has been transformed into something amazing. What was dark and gloomy just hours ago has been recreated with the snow and the dawn of a new day. Everything has changed, and there's no looking back.

             
                              This picture is compliments of Daily Dose.

So do we see each day as a big white sheet of paper ready to draw on? When we wake up in the morning, do we think of all the possibilities? Do we feel changed? Are we beautiful? How do we feel renewed?

The start of a new year is always a great opportunity to refresh the mind and begin with a clean slate. Major transitions in life may also help us feel like we're turning the page and starting anew, especially if those life events involve moving to a new town or getting a new job. However, I believe that the type of renewal that is powerful enough to leave me changed forever comes directly through my faith.

When you accept Christ into your life, He transforms absolutely everything. The old is gone, and you are a new person, free from the burden of sin and shame. The morning after a new fallen snow is a beautiful portrayal of what life is like after placing faith in Jesus. And while we will go on to make more tracks as we live our lives, the perfection of Christ's love covers all, and it encourages us to move boldly and purposefully into the magical world He has created.


This image is provided by Mena Mirhom.

What a Friend We Have

The world can be a pretty scary place sometimes. Whether we're facing difficult challenges or simply left to our own imagination in the dark, fear can develop rather quickly if we let it. When we're alone, that fear can quickly grow into something uncontrollable and mentally exhausting. This week we find our intellectual superstar Calvin letting his mind carry him astray. He's only six years old, and much like the rest of us, sometimes he just gets scared.

Cartoon by Bill Watterson.

"Things are never quite as scary when you've got a best friend." Isn't that so true though? There's so much peace, comfort, and security in knowing you have someone that stands beside you. Whether it's powering through a dreaded group project, standing at the starting line of a race, or experiencing a major life change, it's always so encouraging to know you're not alone. And not only are you not alone, but you have a truly good friend that will stick by your side.

How could we ever get through the daunting fears of life on our own? There's a lot of intense stuff out there! Even when things are going great, our minds can wander and lead us to dark places. But a best friend can make it all feel a whole lot easier. When you have someone that knows you intimately, understands your emotions, and often goes through the same experiences you do, it makes the hard parts of life drastically more manageable. When you're in it together with someone, it's almost as if the end result doesn't matter as much; even if things get ugly, at least you've got each other.

             
                           This picture is compliments of Tammy Flowers.

However, even though it seems like a best friend is the ultimate answer to handling our fears, even the closest of companions will eventually disappoint us. And that doesn't necessarily mean every best friend will hurt us, but it's just a reality that we will never find someone that will be there for us in every single situation life presents. No one will ever be able to maintain that kind of commitment, and such an intense level of devotion should not be asked of any person.

Thankfully, while even my best friends may fail me at times, I never need to feel alone. While relationships with best friends seem perfect, the only truly perfect friend I'll ever find or need is Jesus Christ. While philosophers, scholars, and intellectuals alike may debate over the existence of God for centuries, I feel loved by a Creator. I have a relationship with a God that loves me infinitely, and while I do believe that to be the reality, no alternative truth is going to change the comfort and security I have obtained through this relationship with my Savior. Regardless of what anyone believes or doesn't believe, I feel an indescribable sense of peace and protection everywhere I go, for I know I am loved by Christ, a friend that will never leave my side.

             
                               This image is courtesy of Student Devos.