A Day of New Beginnings

New Beginnings

Today our youngest child headed off for his first day of High School!  He had such confidence and excitement in his voice that I was hard put to feel any sadness.  I asked him last night before bedtime if he was nervous and anxious about anything and he said only lunch time.  Meaning, where will he have to sit or what will he eat and so on!  That’s my boy, ever thinking about food in times of change, stress, or excitement!

I am remembering a day so long ago but it seems like just yesterday.  This last child of mine was the only one of my brood of four that actually figured out how to climb out of his crib!  The first time he did so he not only climbed out of his crib but down the stairs and nearly frightened his older sister to death!  He was so proud of himself for mastering this feat that it was hard to punish him.  Further, this skill should have prepared me for the challenges we have faced since then. He is strong willed, self-assured, and very capable of taking care of himself.  Case in point, just the other day he asked me when his dad and I would be leaving him at home by himself so that we can go out of town on a trip? Really?  A fourteen year old left alone for a long weekend?  I think not!  But he was so sure he could do it. 

Due to this escape artist’s escapades, nap times brought on new challenges.  We now had to lay down with him in a big bed to get him to go to sleep.  Also, did I mention we had to wrap our arms around him closely and hold him tight so he would not escape and take off?

One afternoon as I was holding him close, he actually dozed off pretty quickly and I too fell asleep.  When I woke, there lay next to me the most adorable 3 year old, snoozing away, and looking so innocent and at peace.  I felt the Holy Spirit’s leading to just take those next few quiet moments and pray over him and his life.  I had no idea at the time what the future would hold, but so far God has provided us with a child who brings such joy, laughter and can do spirit to our lives!  Yes, stubbornness and strong will abound but that also shows us such strength and willingness to step out and live!

As I lay there praying that day, I was immediately reminded of that verse in James 4:8 where it says,  “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Yes, that is what I was doing that peaceful afternoon, drawing my son close, holding on for dear life lest he wander off, and savoring the feel of being next to someone so precious.  Isn’t that what God asks of us each day?  To draw close?  To come near?  To experience that safety, security, and peace that passes all understanding?  To keep us from wandering off into the harsh world so full of sin?

Later that day I took out my Bible and looked up that verse and really focused on part b; “wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”  What did that mean?  I did some further research on this verse.  You see, I find great comfort in the first part which says for me to draw near to God and He will draw near to me.  But that second part?  It’s calling me a sinner and double-minded!

Upon reading the New Living Translation, I read something a little more revealing:

^8” Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”

 As I pondered this verse further, I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that drawing as close to God as I am able allows me to live a pure, holy, and undivided life.  In living a life near my Savior I am actively turning from sin that so easily entangles, I am showing my allegiance to the One who saves, and I have chosen the things of God over the things of this world.

As a young mother back then, I needed the reminder that new beginnings are always possible.  So today, as I said goodbye to the middle school years and hello to high school with this last one from our nest, God was also telling me to draw myself, “once again” closer to Him.   I was drifting away, using the busyness of summer, work and activities as an excuse for not spending much time at His feet.

It is a new day! A time for new beginnings not only for our kids and grandkids, but for ourselves as well. Remember, it is never too late to draw near to the One who loves us and gave His only Son for us.

Take time today to pray for your loved ones headed off to new adventures! Whether it is a new job, a new school year, a new marriage or a new stage of life, pray for them.  God has great plans for all of us.  We need to take time to begin again, start afresh and anew with our faith walk.

God is always waiting for you, to wrap His loving arms around you, to say sweetly, “come close my child, we have so much to talk about and I have so much to teach you.  Yes, you have been wandering and choosing the things of this world over Me, but today is a day for new beginnings.  Let’s get started!”