There have been many times over the past couple of years I have wanted a new start. Whether it was a new start to a friendship that had gone wrong, a new start at a career I felt like I was failing at, or a new start in a conversation that seemed to only end in bitterness. Starting over has had its appeal. There can be failure when you start anything new. I still hate the feeling, but enjoy the rush the few times I succeed. I’ve wanted to start over in a new community when times get hard; when nothing seemed to be easy anymore, and at every turn something was going wrong. Friendships are hard, marriage is harder, and I’m sure children will feel impossible some days.
I’ve heard it said before, “You can never make old friends, you can only make new friends”. This past year there were a lot of times I wanted new friends only because I was embarrassed at what I had done; hurt by someone’s choices, or I had the very cheeky thought that “the grass was greener elsewhere”. With many relationships and endeavors it has been an uphill battle at starting over. Sometimes I selfishly didn’t want to start over. I simply just wanted to move on with someone or something else.
The new start doesn’t have to be all together new; in many cases, a new start is staying exactly where you are and deciding to move forward differently.
Maybe you are looking at a new start with fear and trembling… maybe the fear and trembling is because of the unknown, or maybe it’s excitement with all the wonderful possibilities of what could be. Whatever the case, commit your plans to the Lord and they will succeed. Stop trying to assess the damage before it has happened and wavering like a reed in the grass. In the words spoken in Joshua:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” -Joshua 1:9
Fresh starts can be wonderful, thrilling beginnings to an incredible journey to learn and grow more in love with your Savior. When beginning anything new, consider the facts, understand your risks, and pray… often and always. The Lord is a good, good Father who will uphold you and provide you with the strength you need to start something new or begin again. If you have been anywhere near where I have been this year, take heart, He truly has overcome the world.
“Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts”. – Wendell Berry
CHM Contributor Courtney Phillips
