New Beginnings

I like the excitement, challenge, and encouragement of new beginnings.  It was always exciting to begin a new school year with a new notebook, new crayons and map pencils that had sharp tips, fresh and unwrinkled notebook paper, a new lunch bag, and new clothes that Mom had sewn to prepare for the next school year.

The beginning of summer always brought about the thrill of reading, swimming, relaxing, dreaming, and doing the extras that the school year did not always make available time wise.  Amazingly, the same excitement came as much as an adult teaching school as when I was a student in school.

New Year’s Day brings reflection and the anticipation of a new beginning for a new year.  Since my birthday is in March, it seems like a second chance at a new year, as well.

In the next week or two, my nephew Adam and his wife Jordan will be welcoming a new life, their son Eli, into their family.  What an incredible blessing to anticipate and rejoice in their soon to be “Family of three”. 

Paul reminded us of the ultimate new beginning in

2 Corinthians 5:17.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

And I’m grateful for the promise in Lamentations 3:22-23.

“ Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.”