Starting Over

 

The clock is ticking and 2018 is just hours away from being history. Another New Year is quickly approaching. For some people it is a time of great expectation and anticipation of great things to come. For others there is much uncertainty which can bring worry or anxiety. You look back at 2018 and in many ways are glad to see it go. Perhaps you may even feel that the “merry” in your Christmas or even a major part of the year, was nowhere to be found.

I am sorry. Truly sorry.

But will you allow me to encourage you just a bit right now?

It is never too late to start over. The past is the past no matter how lousy or painful it may have been. You cannot change what was.

But you can change what can be. No I do not mean that you have control over your future. None of us do.

What you can control is how you will react to the unexpected things that come at you. The only thing we can really control is our thinking!

In Philippians 4:8, the scriptures tell us that we are to think on those things which are true, noble, right, pure and lovely. When I read that verse I am reminded that no matter what, I need to ask God to show me the “silver lining” in those unpleasant situations and the challenging times.

In years past I have lived in states where I was far enough north to see snow every winter. One of the things I always marveled at was the beauty of a fresh snowfall which blanketed the ground in a fresh clean new way. No matter what was under that snow, for awhile it seemed the earth was once again made new. Like a fresh beginning.

Often I felt like the beauty of it was beckoning me to come out and walk in it. There was a part of me that did not want to “mess up” the snow by treading on it. Eventually I would  give in and allow myself to enjoy the experience of being able to take those new steps.

Embracing a New Year is kind of like that. We may feel a bit timid about stepping into the unknown because we might mess it up with our footprints. But starting over is a good thing. God gives us “do overs” each day.

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. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

Another well known Bible version tells us that his MERCIES are new each day.

That is what I call a do over! That tells me that if God is willing to give me a fresh start, who am I to miss the opportunity to try again?

New Day. New Year. New Opportunities.

Let’s embrace starting over.

Happy New Year!

PS: Friends, I have a little challenge for you. Are you to ready put the past behind you and embrace a fresh start? If so then join me and leave a comment. No details needed. Simply say, “I am starting over!” Making the decision to move forward is always the first step to a new beginning! I am cheering you on!

 

Note: This blog post was written by Rosie Williams and first appeared on Nuggets from the Heart. This blog post, either in part or in its entirety, may not be copied, duplicated, edited or appear in any other publication without the written approval or permission from the author. For full copyright and disclosure information, click here. For questions regarding the use of this blog post, you may send an email to Rosie Williams by clicking here.