Transformation From the Ruins

Driving into the office this morning I was reflecting on a life-changing event that occurred one year ago today. As I reflected, I was reminded of my recent visit to Rome. I remember walking through the Roman Forum, which was once the heart of the city, and feeling truly humbled. I remember thinking about all of the powerful people and leaders who had walked down the Via Sacra that I was now placing foot on and seeing all of the grand architecture and intricate statues that had been built without computer systems, heavy machinery, or any other modern technologies. Where I was standing had once been the site of one of the largest and most powerful empires on the earth, but all that remains of it now is an intoxicating history and jaw-dropping ruins. The Roman Empire has influenced many aspects of today's society, such as democratic government practices, language, literature, art, infrastructure, city-planning, and the spread of Christianity. But we wouldn't be seeing any of these influences today if there hadn't been transformation from the ruins. 

A year ago today, after having had a record Saturday, I was told by my employer that I no longer had a job... I was fired. "Fired" is a tough word to swallow, it can bring about feelings of shame or embarrassment or being less-than, but here's what I know to be true. God will break us to promote us and to move us to our right place. And when He breaks us, He always does it with grace. Sometimes we wait for what feels like the "right time" to close a door and God has to intervene and close the door for us. Other times we are able to close the door ourselves, as I've observed multiple friends do with their jobs and situations this year. Regardless of how a season has come to an end for you, I just want you to know that you are celebrated! It's in the closing of doors and crashing of empires that we have the opportunity to transform from the ruins to the riches that God has called us to. Cheers to transformation!