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Back to the Beginning


As we enter a new school year, I'm once again excited and anxious to see what the year ahead will bring. After nine years, I am back in the English/Language Arts classroom, so I'm sure this transition period will be a bit time-consuming. But it's also exciting to be available to students in a different capacity.

My new classroom isn't the only thing that will take getting used to. My older son is entering his senior year of high school. This year is going to be full of once-in-a-lifetime moments and last times for him. My younger son is playing football for the first time. Back in the spring, I recognized how quickly these moments come and go. But we always come back to the beginning at the end of summer and the start of a new school year.

I love fresh starts. That's one of the perks of teaching. Every school year, I get a fresh batch of pencils and brand new students who are ready to be loved and taught. If only in everyday life, we could treat our days as a fresh start. Full discloser: my husband has actually perfected this art. He is the guru of a good night's sleep and starting over. This is Biblical. 

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)

Now, if only I could remember this scripture when I first awaken, my day would probably never get the best of me. Because God's compassion and mercy will greet me tomorrow. The problem is, I have a tendency to let five bad minutes become twenty miserable minutes, and the cycle continues until my emotions have overtaken my mind and actions. I become debilitated by the weight of a moment because I haven't allowed compassion and mercy to consume my mind. 

Fortunately for me, tomorrow is coming. God's mercy and compassion will be fresh and new. I won't be consumed by five minutes if I remind myself that every morning, I wake up to something fresh from God. I don't have to wait until church on Sunday or Wednesday night to receive what He wants to give me. Every morning, I go back to the beginning with Him with another opportunity to make the most of every twenty-four hours. 

If this is an area in which you struggle, be encouraged. I literally wrote this scripture down and posted it in multiple spots that I would see throughout the day. Remind yourself that tomorrow is coming. Remember the promise of His compassion and great love for you. And go back to the beginning.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.


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