New Beginnings for a New Year

By Rich Weinstein

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. -Luke 24:17
Sometimes it can be very difficult to say goodbye, and farewells are not always happy occasions. A truth once again revealed to me personally when my mother went to be with the Lord earlier this year. The end of one chapter of life can make us sad as things are never quite the same again, but along with those endings come new beginnings.
Nostalgia and bitter sweetness are normal emotions that can be associated with endings. You feel regret for what you have lost, even if the conclusion is a happy one. It can be difficult to deal with those changes that occur if someone leaves you, or a door closes.
The above Scripture is an example of what two of Jesus’ followers experienced on the Road to Emmaus after His death. They were upset as they felt a treasured relationship had ended quickly and tragically. They did not realize it was Jesus who was talking to them. They did not understand the fact that endings can be the start of wonderful new beginnings.
Everyone loves to start over with a clean sheet. New days, new jobs, new responsibilities, new relationships, new stages of life all bring a sense of satisfaction as endings transform into new beginnings. The two disciples on the Road to Emmaus received a fresh start when they recognized it was Jesus speaking to them. He had risen!
Look at the endings in your life as new beginnings; new opportunities loaded with God’s blessings. These new beginnings are God’s way of helping you to wipe the slate clean and start anew.
As December ends and we turn the page of the calendar to reveal 2022, take the time to realize God has provided you with a clean sheet, an ending that starts a new beginning. When you look at that sheet this time next year, may it be one of your best works of art.

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