As I sit here relaxing on my porch, my neighbors are packing
their belongings in a moving truck. They have a great family support system, and
everyone is helping--Grandpa, Mom, Dad, and even eight-year-old Clyde—except four-year-old
Vinny, of course. It’s been an ongoing process over the last few weeks of
packing and now days or loading and unloading.
I feel for them. Dick and I have moved 15 times during our 48 years of marriage. I understand how they are feeling—sheer exhaustion mixed with thrills of anticipation.
New beginnings come to all of us in a variety of ways—employment
adjustments, life events (marriage, birth of a child, empty nest, retirement,
etc.), unexpected phenomena (a pandemic, a tornado), etc. Some we welcome;
others we shun.
However, God has taught me the truth of His words in Romans 8:28: “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
New beginnings offer us a panorama of diverse experiences. Over the years, God has given me the amazing opportunity to be a foster mother, a published writer, an administrative assistant to a counselor, and much more. He has taught me sign language from a deaf parishioner, hospitality from a Syrian family, and tatting from an 80-year-old grandmother.
New beginnings can mean a clean slate, leaving disappointments and less than stellar moments behind. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us of the very best fresh start available—straight from God Himself: “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.”
New beginnings introduce us to another circle of fascinating individuals. Proverbs 27:17 says, “People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.” Sometimes we forge lifelong unions that neither time nor distance can sever, and other times we walk together just for a specific time. (Prov. 17:17)
I am sure my neighbors are also experiencing the fears, stress, heartache, and weariness common during these times of upheaval. However, I KNOW the joys of new beginnings will far outweigh the sorrows.
I will miss my neighbors, especially their two youngest boys who have livened up my life since our retirement. But I eagerly anticipate all that God has in store for them. May God bless you with His abundant grace and greatest joys, Hendrickson family!
Be encouraged!
©2022 Pamela D. Williams
