Sweet September Newness
Do you remember when the end of August, beginning of
September, signaled the start of new adventure for you. School! Usually you had a
different teacher, some of the same friends with a few new kids who switched-in, and always a sense of newness.
You entered with expectation.
Fresh start-overs are good. Isn’t there usually some piece
of our memories, even our present, we wish to leave behind?
Anticipation is sweet, the future WILL BE better. A coiled
spring within us begins to uncoil in hope, maybe a bit of hesitation too, but
hesitation and hope can live together.
Okay, maybe a bit of dread along with the excitement. Where
and how do you fit into this new dynamic?
The cycle of learning and teaching continues.
As long as we have breath and days to live, we have opportunities to be a
blessing and be blessed.
What did you like to do as a child that can become fun as
an adult?
Did you play with cars? Help kids build derby cars.
Did you play with cars? Help kids build derby cars.
Maybe actually return to school too, but as a
volunteer – one afternoon a week. Yes, men you as well. Father figures are
hugely lacking in many children’s lives.
Remember when Jesus demonstrated that being around kids
was great!
Schedule a talk at the school or local library on something you love, maybe airplanes,
bring your banjo and put on a brief show. Bring a strategic board game to play. If you’re uncomfortable acting alone,
call a friend and do something together. (Check in at the office in advance for clearance.)
Collect some neighborhood kids for an at home pie-baking
class. Or teach three or four how to make soup, teach the boys, too. Have a neighborhood historical battle re-enactment. Teach children in your church about God during an outdoor hike.
Maybe your heart is steering you in another direction.
Volunteer to be a visitor in a hospital or nursing home where people yearn for
company. Anyone who can talk and listen is qualified.
What are you anticipating doing in the days ahead?
Many of you work full time and keep a home, but isn’t there an hour
or two that can become sweeter in your life with an adventure that involves new
people?
Pick up the phone, start a connection process that keeps you vibrant.
Scripture on newness: "And He [Jesus] said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me write, for these words are true and faithful. The Book of Revelation Chapter 21, Verse 5."
My mystery novel Bullet in the Night is about a man becoming a new creation, leaving prison and starting over.
My mystery novel Bullet in the Night is about a man becoming a new creation, leaving prison and starting over.
