A Note From Rob ...
Week of February 26, 2006

     One of the popular television programs on this year is Extreme Makeover Home Edition. It is one of many programs that draw my attention. I enjoy the programs that show homes getting restoration, modernizing and "fixing up."

     I especially enjoy seeing something old becoming new again. The transformation is amazing in some of these older homes. They are able to take something that has been neglected, outdated or ill fitted in the past and through the skill of the builder transform it. Literally, the structure takes on a new form or the form it was first designed to have.

     Sometimes this new form is hard to see in the building's present state. It can get even more challenging to envision during the process of tearing out the old in order to allow the new to be built. With the old form or the new mess before us only the vision of the designer keeps the transformation on course. I have even looked at the building and thought it is fine the way it is. I can't see how it could be made better.

     I have always had a heart for restoration. I enjoy taking something that needs fixing up, repairing or making better and giving it a try. I usually begin with a vision, a hope and a plan. Often I need to find a book or an expert to help me along in the process. Sometimes I get over my head and the project is too great for one person and I find I need to find some help.

     If a psychologist were to test me, I suspect that I would discover that the same reasons that draw me to want to transform old houses and such is why I am called to share the life-changing love of Jesus Christ. He can see what the master builder had in mind before decay and mutation set in. He has a vision of what can be. He calls us to be those persons who will accept the transformation he has in mind for us and to share in has work of transforming all of his creatures and creation.

     This Sunday will be Transformation Sunday. I wonder what First United Methodist Church would look like when Jesus does a makeover, transformation of us? Think we need a transformation? Stay tuned.

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