My Take: The secret to new life
We've probably all had at least one time in life when we look back on a particular event and say, "I never want to go through that again. But I wouldn't trade that experience for anything." As difficult and painful as that experience was, it hopefully changed our life and the lives of those around us in a positive manner; as we were transformed, restored and reborn.
In the New Testament book of John's Gospel, chapter 12, verse 24, Jesus spoke these words: "Verily, verily I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die it bringeth forth much fruit."
So, there you have it. Now you know the secret to new life; a miracle of hope, restoration and rebirth. That message, however, doesn't make living in the real world any less challenging.
It's the pattern of loss and renewal that runs throughout our lives. Even though we don't think of this pattern as the secret to the life that we experience, sometimes by choice and other times by chance; either way it's there.
Back in early September 1998, Zeeland High School soccer player Josh De Joung was taken from this world when he died during what was described as a "routine surgery" to repair a broken bone. The loss was shattering and unimaginable. I remember spending time at the hospital with Josh's family, fellow church members and soccer teammates, praying for Josh's recovery. But Josh died. Where was God in this time of need? Was he behind this tragedy? I thought God's plan was to always work out everything for good. It was, and is. It's part of the pattern, a new plan, that only history and eternity will reveal.
Recently I had the privilege of visiting with Josh's parents; now 25 years after that tragic event. I was amazed at their perspective. As difficult and painful as this experience was; it bore much fruit. Lives were saved, positive changes were made, people's faith was renewed and as Josh's mother expressed to me: "We had to learn to let go."
I discovered that as a result of Josh's untimely death, new life was shared with several people through organ donation. For example, a young social worker benefited from Josh's liver. I also rejoiced with a young man who decided to go into the ministry, because of Josh's life and death. There were many many more examples. It was one of those times when "the grain of wheat fell into the earth and died."
My question to all of us is; what's the grain in our life(s)that needs to die and be buried? That, I believe is where we begin to experience a miracle of extraordinary rebirth. It's the letting go, the emptying out, the leaving behind; and yes, the "dying" that makes space for new life to arise.
Finally, we all know that you don't plant a seed and go back in 10 minutes or the next day and see a new sprout. Growth can be slow; and the fruit of new life takes time; usually longer than we want it to. Yet, even when unseen, unbelieved or unrecognized, the power of the Almighty is present and at work in the depths of our soul; in the dark and hidden places.
I will never forget the memorial service for a young man who had served as an intern in my office. Paul was 19 and passed away after suffering through a long battle with cancer. His heartfelt desire was that we honor and remember his life ... not is death, which he described as, "my promotion to glory." This is a portion of a poem by P.J. Morton that I read at Paul's memorial service:
"If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now, I'm standing tall and whole.
If you could see me now, you'd know I've just seen. Jesus.
If you could see me now, you'd know the pains erased.
You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place, if you could only see me now!"
— Dan Van Ommen is a retired senior citizen and a resident of Zeeland, Michigan. Contact him at dan.vanommen@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: My Take: The secret to new life
