Do you ever feel like you need a new beginning? That�s exactly how I was feeling not too long ago. I was tired and frustrated, a little disoriented spiritually, disgusted with some of the things happening in the world and in the Church, and distracted by so many situations that I could do absolutely nothing about.
I probably needed to recite the Serenity Prayer about a thousand times.
God, Grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
But I didn�t have the presence of mind to do even that.
At first I just ignored all these feelings and tried to keep busy. But ignoring things doesn�t make them go away. It took a while, but finally I realized that I needed a new beginning.
One of the things I love about our faith is that our God is a God of second chances, fresh starts, and new beginnings.
I love Mondays, because each Monday is a new beginning�a fresh start! God gives us Mondays, and New Year�s Day, and birthdays, and every single one represents a new blessing and a new beginning.
In the Bible we read these epic tales of the incredible ways that God transformed people and their lives: Moses, Noah, Jonah, Jeremiah, David, Joseph, Mary, Peter, James, Matthew, Zacchaeus, Paul, Lydia, Mary Magdalene, the woman at the well, and so many others whose names we don�t know. Why not you and me? Why not now?
God is always waiting on us. Sometimes we may think we are waiting for him, but that is never true.
What�s happening in your life right now? What�s not working in your life? What great question are you grappling with in your heart? Why did you pick up this book? Do you need a fresh start too?
Whenever I get to a place in my life where things aren�t making sense, it always seems that I need to rediscover Jesus.
Jesus is the ultimate new beginning.
POINT TO PONDER: It is never too late for a fresh start.
VERSE TO LIVE: �Ask and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.� MATTHEW 7:7
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: In what area of your life is God inviting you to experience a new beginning?
PRAYER: Jesus, help me to believe that a new beginning is possible.
Excerpt from Matthew Kelly�s new book, Rediscover Jesus.
Hardcover. 183 pages.