Beginnings

LORD GOD,
At some point, all people dream of new beginnings - an escape from sameness, a chance to wipe away the slate clean and start over, an opportunity to move away from past hurts, or maybe just a chance to do something different. Sometimes a new beginning is threatening because it forces me away from what is known and comfortable. Other times it is exciting-a challenge to move into new territory, or the exhilaration of an unknown adventure. Lord, you're showing me that life is really a series of new beginnings. Please remind me that change is inevitable; its how I deal with it that counts. Each day brings new challenges and problems. Each day also brings new opportunities to get to know you better, God, and to start over with a new attitude toward my circumstances and the people around me. Lord, because you renew your mercies to me every single day, I don't have to be burdened by yesterday's failures or regrets. Help me to embrace the dawn of each new day as a chance to start again and to experience the refreshment of your tender mercies.

*** Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
LEMENTATIONS 3:23***

Starting over has not been easy. The time and process leading up to the day we left was difficult. All our familiar things and places are now gone and have been replaced with new and unknown. It is exciting living someplace entirely new for all of us but at the same time it started out very scary and we still have moments of fear. But when you give up nearly everything you own and move 2,920 miles across the county there is a sense of freedom. Like with any new beginning there are bumps in the road and moments where I want to toss in the towel. But I know that I cannot do that until my Father, God, tells me that I have both done what He set out for me to do and learned what it is He wanted to teach me.