Faces on Faith: A new beginning
Newness! Is that even a word? The Website dictionary.com says it is something appearing for the first time, afresh. And that’s just where we are at this moment. As long-time contributor June Sieber prepares to move closer to her family in Austin, Texas, I’ll be attempting to fill the empty spot she’s left behind for the column. Those are large sandals to fill! But what a new adventure for both of us!
We all deal with newness. Each morning we wake to a new day, anticipating whatever it might include. And I remember reading the story of one friend who suggested that each night as you retire, don’t forget to wipe clean the slate of your mind, leaving the mistakes of the day behind and starting each morning with brand new thought. A fresh clean beginning is always full of promise and joy. And speaking of God’s loving kindness to men, the Bible says in Lamentations, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.”
What does it take to be aware of the joyful little things? Here we are, living on an island full of the beauty of the beach, glory of the birds, lush landscape blooming with bursts of color. Are we aware and appreciative of God’s goodness right before our eyes? It’s far too easy to hear only the crows’ abrasive cawing and not even notice the beautiful variety of the mockingbird’s songs. We’ve all been there, at least I know I have. (Those annoying crows!)
In the Bible, Isaiah writes, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isn’t this the best way to approach each new day? Waiting upon the Lord, acknowledging his loving care and compassion for each of his children, and being ready to begin each new day with joyful anticipation is the best beginning for each of us.
Mary L. Miller is affiliated with the Sanibel Christian Science Church.