The first month of the year is usually a time of new beginnings. It’s a refreshing reminder of the opportunity we have to renew ourselves, to start over, to begin again.
TO BEGIN WITH
It’s the first Saturday of 2014 and I’m hoping for better, brighter days ahead.
However, we must be quick to realize that the New Year is only a measure in time, just another change in the calendar. When the calendar reads “2014,” those who were anxious stayed worried, those who were without light continued to stumble in the darkness, and those who struggled kept on being stressed.
It is only in Christ where we can find the power to change our life and create a new heart for the better (2 Corinthians 5:17). In 2014, Jesus remains the only Savior from sin, the only Way to the Father, the only Truth that gives freedom, and the only Life worth living.
It’s only through Jesus Christ that we can truly stand firm and be courageous. That’s why I remain hopeful for a better, brighter 2014, only because of Him.
A NEW BEGINNING
The first month of the year is usually a time of new beginnings. It’s a refreshing reminder of the opportunity we have to renew ourselves, to start over, to begin again.
At work, this is also the time for planning and preparing. For sorting first things first. Sometimes it is hard to choose and too many “things to do” overlap and create much stress.
In life, it’s the same.
We are pushed and pulled in so many directions, and hear so many voices shouting at us to do this or that, we can’t hear ourselves any longer. We know what’s best, what’s right, what we need to do. But we’ve gotten lost in the disarray.
Yet the truth is we can always create a new beginning. Even when we have made mistakes, failed, and things have all gone wrong. Anytime is a good time for a fresh start.
We can begin right now to solve problems that have lingered for a while. We can bring an end to any unfinished business. We can break old habits, reorganize our priorities, and start something new.
Right now.
We can turn a new leaf anytime once we set out our minds and hearts to do so.
New beginnings start by getting rid of the old and tried. We embark on things that we haven’t tried. We become more aggressive with ourselves and stop thinking that someone or something is in our way.
The quicker we put in the work, disciplines, and right attitude, the sooner we will experience the miracles life has to offer.
I write this because I realize that every day, every moment, we have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. We can start over and become the person we want to be. We can’t do everything, we can't be everything, and we can’t know everything… but we have the choice of what we want to be.
There is so much in life to choose from. To begin a new beginning, we must listen closely to our intuition, which reminds us of what is really most important.
When I was in college and would feel overwhelmed with studies and my many extra curricular activities (I was sports editor of our college paper, chairman of our student organization, and basketball player), my mom would always remind me, “The cream will rise to the top.” She meant that the most important would always make itself evident, and I would get it done if I focused on it.
We need to let the cream rise to the top of our lives. That’s the essence of minimalism.
I would love to hear about your experiences with new beginnings. Share it with all of us in the comments. It is wonderful when we can impart these inspiring and uplifting moments in our lives.
- “A New Beginning,” from Minimalist on Purpose (www.raymundtamayo.com), January 24, 2013
Raymund's Random Insights
Now comes another year, another chance to say thank you to old friends for staying close no matter what…
Looking backward helps us to go forward with a sense of purpose.
There will always be another opportunity. For God is a God of second chances.
Poem of the Week
LOVE FINDS BEAUTY IN THE PLAINEST SMILE
by Emon
You always say I love you
after every meal.
Sometimes in between as well.
Before sleeping, after waking I love you.
Going to work, coming home I love you.
Waiting in the street, watching the wind,
however it was, suddenly I love you.
Sometimes I say I love you, too
but oftentimes I just smile.
A smile no one else have noticed to be pretty
except by you.
Love finds beauty in the plainest smile.
And it becomes more beautiful
than love words written down.
(January 2007)
AND FINALLY
In 2014, let us be encouraged by God’s promises. He is the hope we carry in our hearts until the coming of that brightest day when His shout will be heard, the trumpet will sound, the Kingdom will come, and the King will reign. God bless us all!
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NIV
Thanks for stopping by - see you next week.
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