Brand New Day

Today marks the start of 2017 and it comes bursting with the promise of something fresh and new. It's an accepted tradition to reflect on all the previous year held and to look forward to a clean canvas on which we can begin a unique work of art.

What really is the difference between yesterday and today? Except for changing the last number in the calendar year, there isn't a major shift except for our individual perspective. This turning of the last calendar page from the previous year brings heightened anticipation for the possibility of change and belief in growth. The shift forward in years allows us to imagine how things could be better and how this year will be different. Focusing on the new is motivating and reminds us that while we may not be satisfied with our current status, there is always time for improvement. Sometimes the excitement of potential is enough to move us forward.

We can be better, my friends. Let today be the start of something new.

Start Today

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

Chinese Proverb

There are many things I wish I had done earlier (or not at all) in my life. I can't change those decisions no matter how much I might wish to do so. What is within my power is the ability to resolve to live differently in this moment.

What changes can be made in each of our lives today? What new patterns can we begin? What new road can we start to travel down that will lead to a better destination?

We can continue to bemoan our previously poor planting skills or decide we will do what we can to create a future that is better than our current circumstances.

Start & Stop

If your resume described you as someone who starts and stops things, it wouldn't necessarily be seen as a positive character trait. The perception would be of someone who isn't capable of seeing a project to completion or who lacks focus. When channeled properly, however, I believe it would be a valuable asset to say you are an expert at starting and stopping.

There are two key components to making this a positive attribute:

1. Recognizing you can't effectively start something unless you stop something else
2. Developing enough self-awareness to see what must be stopped for you to grow

What do you need to start and stop in your life? Your capacity is limited by the finite number of connectors you possess for relationships, mental energy, productivity, leadership, and serving. To mature we need to have the courage to stop something that might be good so that you can start what is best.

Begin Again

There is something about a blank whiteboard that hints of promise. It's the potential for a sermon to be fleshed out as I study. It's creative space for camp planning and the assorted details that go with it. The white space can be used to map out ideas for developing leaders, for writing task lists, for writing thoughts to meditate on for a few days or weeks. 

Metaphorically, it means even more. It's the fresh start we get with God each day when we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. It's the beginning of healing in a relationship when you are both willing to learn from the past and move forward in unity for the future. It's an unwritten end to your own story with the details left to be filled in as you decide what your next steps are. The blank space waits for our obedience, sacrifice, and risks of faith as we believe in the promises God has already given to us. 

Something will be written on that board and we active participants in deciding what it will be.