A NEW BEGINNING
Commencement, new beginnings.
We had a lilac bush growing in our yard when we moved in two years ago. It looked, well, pathetic, but it still had leaves, so I wanted to give it another chance or two.
This spring I finally told my husband, “Cut it down.” He did. But, as you can see from the photo, the lilac had already put out new beginnings.
New beginnings contain the promise of something more or better in life (in this case, a healthy lilac bush). Along with new beginnings is renewed hope.
School graduation is the beginning or commencement of the next step in life. A job gives a person the opportunity to begin to earn a living. A wedding signals the beginning of a new family. The introduction of children through childbirth, adoption, or foster care, begins the parenting experience. From birth to death, we experience many new beginnings. As we gain knowledge and experience, the door often opens for another new beginning.
Planting gardens is like planting the seeds of hope. We hope for the right amount of rain and sunshine for seeds to sprout and grow and the absence of pests that consume them before we can reap a harvest.
We planted seeds of hope in our plans and goals for 2020. A pestilence consumed our potential harvests. Many of our plans and goals have been wiped out by the enemy’s tools of death, grief, and destruction. But we can still have hope.
Faith in Jesus Christ gives hope. Our lives have been and will be changed by the COVID-19 crisis and its aftermath. Economically, socially, and politically it appears that we will face challenges to our faith that we’ve never before experienced. Have you allowed Jesus to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in you?
In Psalm 73:26, Asaph wrote, “My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” David wrote, “And now, Lord, what do I wait for: My hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:7)
Jesus made a promise to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, and I believe this promise is for all believers. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
New beginnings, new publisher. Meadow Song is available now (July 1, 2020) with a brand new publisher, Scrivenings Press. https://scriveningspress.com/. Join our launch party on July 7.
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