New Beginnings

At our house there is no corner where you can look to find perfection. Not because we humbly hide it, but because it doesn’t exist. We do have some good times, some victories, some reasons to feel that we are moving in the right direction, but it seems like more often than not we are seeing our failures and being reminded that we are definitely a work in progress and there is a great need for improvement.

I try not to be discouraged with this failure in my life, but to acknowledge my shortcomings and make every attempt to allow the old to pass away and invite the new to come. Today the clouds have parted and the sun is shining. Trees are budding and birds are singing and the reminder of fresh beginnings gives me hope for my own life.

As I attempt to write this blog today I am surrounded by the squeals of delight from all the little cousins who are so happy to be together over spring break. There are frequent interventions needed because we are learning to share and to be kind. An occasional “time-out” to adjust an attitude and take a break is essential to keeping the peace. These times help me to remember what the Father deals with as He helps me to grow in Him. Time out to adjust my attitude and quiet time to be reminded that I am His child, learning to be kind and share.

As you watch the trees budding and the flowers breaking through the ground, be reminded that your kids are also a work in process and the flaws you see in them are not unlike the ones your Heavenly Father is witnessing in you. Guide them gently and lovingly, just as God is guiding you. Be patient and remember they are His finest creation, blooming beautifully as you nurture them. The story of spring… the story of Easter is about new beginnings…transformation. Be careful not to expect to see  transformation in your children if your Father is not seeing it in you! Set the pace; be their example!

“Obey God because you are his children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God -- who chose you to be his children -- is holy. For he himself has said, "You must be holy because I am holy." And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites when he judges. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as foreigners here on earth. For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver.  He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.  God chose him for this purpose long before the world began, but now in these final days, he was sent to the earth for all to see. And he did this for you.”                    I Peter 1:14-20 (NLT)