When something becomes mellow, it gets softer or more relaxed. People in particular are often said to mellow with age. They become less aggressive and easier to live with because of a positive change in their behavior.
There are times we intentionally purchase fruits from the grocery store that are firm and solid. The reason for purchasing hard fruit in some instances is so that they may last longer. A hard peach or plum over time has a tendency to mellow and soften up. The more it mellows, the sweeter and juicier it becomes. These fruits become so sweet and juicy that they may be transformed into preserves or wines.
There are some people who are like these hard fruits. At an early stage of their life, they may have been hard, cantankerous, arrogant, stubborn, etc., but in time these hard noses became mellow. These hardhearted persons, overtime, became very humble and loving people. They were seen from a different perspective earlier in life, but they mellow and season nicely. As we look back over our lives, can we say we have mellowed or are we the same old hard knot we have always been? Something along the way should have mellowed us, be it our children, sickness, coworkers, fellow church members, family, blessings, etc. Whatever the case may be, it should have caused us to be more loving, kind and gentle. We became more like Jesus.
Some of our previous jobs may have required or mandated that we be tough taskmasters or hard noses, but once we retired or left the job, we mellowed out. I believe that with age every person, even Christians, should mellow and humble themselves. If we are already humble, the humility should increase over time. We all, I hope, have referred to some people as being sweet? They are people who have changed over time and transformed into compassionate, caring and loving persons. Do you know anyone like that?
I can remember a college professor who had the reputation of being tough and stern to the point that students were afraid to enroll in his class. Over the years, we observed this professor change into a pleasant, understanding and loving person. His expectations for his students were the same, but his approach and personality was much different. Some say it was due to his age, but I wish to believe it was God who changed his heart.
One of the great writers in the New Testament, Paul, is a true example of one who mellowed. Paul was known for persecuting Christians and made murderous threats against them (Acts 9:1). But Jesus changed his heart and chose him to become one of his greatest missionaries. With his name changing to Pual, he preached across the Roman Empire.
Paul’s conversion was a dramatic one. He not only stopped persecuting Christians, but he changed his whole life to reflect the teachings of Jesus. Paul’s life became one of grace, love and mercy. You see, he mellowed and became a Christian himself.
Most of us may be able to confess that our lives have become more relaxed and pleasant because of our mellowing over the years. Someone, be it a family member or friend may remind you of how difficult a person you used to be but can now see Christ living in you.
Lenten season is a time for all of us to invite God’s grace into our lives so that we may be everything God intended us to become. If we disciplined ourselves during this Lenten Season to become a better individual, may we see ourselves wholly in God’s love and service.
Prayerfully, we have mellowed over the last forty days of Lent. Simply stated, “we are a better person today than we were on Ash Wednesday.” Why? Because we have mellowed.
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
