As I prepare to celebrate a big milestone birthday in September, and as I note the growing aches, pains and waistline that accompany it, a death of sorts is happening in me. I saw a time-lapse video this morning of the life cycle of a dandelion (it essentially blooms twice!), and it reminded me of the joyful hope we have in the promises of Christ. May our many deaths in this life bear the seeds of new life and abundant fruit, both in our lives now and in the Kingdom to come.