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Transformation


As I look at the before and after photos of this little doll stroller, 
I’m reminded of a few things:
 
The transformation began as soon as I took off the old fabric. I’ve had the intention of re-doing this stroller for weeks now, with plans to give it to my sweet little niece. And while this project had to begin with an idea, without taking off the old, there was no actual progress. This is the case with any project involving demolition, including our spiritual lives. Even with all the good intentions in the world, there is no transformation without first demo-ing the old. 

Patchwork doesn’t equal transformation. While I used a few pieces from the old...the frame, buckles, straps and loops...I started over with all-new fabric for the stroller seat. In the long run, the fabric I chose should be stronger than the original. As I’m internally re-done, my exterior doesn’t look altogether different. Sure, my frame has grown and aged, but it’s still made with the same bones and flesh I’ve had since 1983. Inside though? Nothing will be left untouched. Even my strengths and talents are being transformed. Patching just won’t do. 

The transformation isn’t perfect. If I were to re-do another stroller, I would make sure to use a longer piece of fabric for the back. This ended up just a little too short for my liking. While it will work well, it’s not flawless. This side of eternity, I will not be perfect either. While the transformation is great, I’m not flawless. I’m not done. In Christ, we find immediate rescue from the penalty of sin, but we don’t find immediate perfection. On this earth, we see dimly. As Jesus does His renovating work in us, we progressively lose our taste for sin. We learn to respond to it immediately and swiftly. We can learn, like the Apostle Paul to count all things with great joy. But on this side of eternity, we don’t get to see the fully restored product. 

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Cor 13:12

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” 2 Cor 3: 18

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 
1 John 3: 2





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