On Life and Death

Yesterday I was out riding the bike trail not too far from our artsy apartment. The trailhead is here in this college town and then runs for 34 miles into the closest biggest town. The trail runs over creeks, through fields, and immersed in the woods. It is quiet and calm, music created by running water, rustling leaves, and the occasional mooing of a cow. It is a section of simplicity in my overstimulated world.

There is the section, between a cemetery and cattle crossing that previously consisted of rocks, sand, and weeds but has recently been paved. However, I think the pavers overlooked one very important piece of information... they paved in the spring. Spring is when life that has been stamped away or casted into hibernation resumes. Everything comes alive. While that particular section of the trail was relatively free of noticeable vegetation at the time, there was still growth happening right below the surface. One day, the pavers came out in their yellow trucks and attempted to trump death with a concoction laid think over a dirt path. Their attempts were thwarted.

A few days after the asphalt was laid, I began to notice cracks and bulges, just a few but noticeable nonetheless. Each time I rode these cracks began to create little mounds, fighting against a formidable foe. Yesterday, as I rode past I noticed that where those little mounds had been there were now several inches of plant life. What was meant to stop life, what was seemingly stronger, soon erupted from the pressure of life.

I cannot help but think that death does not conquer life. Perhaps physically it is true, for we all will die a physical death but God is good and there is more to the story. Jesus, in his human body died. He died and he was buried and he was left in a tomb while people mourned. But death did not win the battle. The story wasn't over. He rose again.

Life is crazy and busy and currently out of control. Right now control, or desire for control, has been my asphalt, my own hinderance. Far too often I have not fought but instead excepted defeat, excepted death in a way. But Satan does not win. Shane and Shane said it well "... he's forgotten the refrain, Jesus saves."

Sometimes I read stories or remember the power the Christ had, to bring life, to cast away death, to defeat what was thought unconquerable. I read these things yet I so easily forget that I have the very power of Christ within me. I do not need to allow asphalt into my life, the pave over and attempt to cover up the signs of life and love. I must choose to walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh, to choose life over death, and victory over defeat.

And sometimes (or a lot of times) I forget. So, thats why it is here, not so much for you, but for me; so that I will remember.

Peace.