This Week from Caitlyn
Dear Siblings in Christ,
I had to swing by Target this week for a few things. As I passed an aisle, I saw an animated little girl debating the merits of the pink-striped folder and the pink folder with Jojo Siwa on it. One was very chic and matched her backpack and new favorite shirt. The other was her favorite singer who all of her friends also loved. What would her folder choice say about who she was in this new grade and new year?! Would it say she's cool and really loves pink? Or would it be "cringe?!" Her dad listened with the expression of a grownup trying to understand the inner politics of 3rd grade -- perplexed.
'Tis the season. Even if you're not connected to a school calendar officially, it's the time of year when we all start transitioning into a different, less playful, and more routine, headspace. And all the decisions we make about how we order our lives in this next season reflect something about who we are and our values to all who see us. Will this pink shirt make me look cool enough?!
This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. As heaven stoops down to talk with him, Jesus' clothes turn white and his face shines like the sun - because Jesus is not of this world. Up until now Jesus' parables and signs and clothes and friends have reflected who he is in ways we can see and understand. But it isn't until the Transfiguration that we really see just what glory is to come, and God's caring hand in it every step of the way.
The disciples are faced with a decision - stay put and make a shrine, or follow Jesus where he goes. Will this pink shrine make me look like a good Christian, or do I follow the one I love and listen to the Good News he sings? The choices we make about our lives reflect who we are as individuals and as families. Will we choose based on how we want others to see us, or will we choose to listen to the voice of Jesus where it calls?
"This is my Chosen. Listen to him." Come listen, and see how your heart is transformed.
In Christ,
Caitlyn+
