Life is a never-ending series of beginnings and endings. It seems as though we’re always starting over. We’re born…we learn…we try…we fail…we start over…we do better…we change our minds…we start anew. One of my friends is about to begin a brand new job. Another is closing a chapter of her life, retrieving mementos, and putting a family home up for sale.
Each new challenge requires courage – courage to let go, and courage to start again. I don’t let go easily. I hold on until I have to let go. But it is just as difficult to start fresh. The new, the unknown, is always scary. What if…? What if it doesn’t work out? What if you can’t do it? What if you don’t like it? But here, I’m referring to material things.
And what about spiritual things? I think they require even more courage! For me, at least, it is difficult to quiet myself for very long. God, can You hear me? Some days are too filled with busyness – work, errands, chores – to even think about taking time to reflect. Those are the days I feel caught in a maelstrom of noise, emptiness, and terror.
Today I am seeking courage to receive spiritual guidance. Today I need strength to face my fears and to move forward. There’s that comfort zone again…the one where I stay frozen in place and accomplish nothing because I am afraid.
Growing and moving forward with life in any way requires strength. Today I am praying to learn how to be strong. I have some great role models. I just need to get out of my self-absorbed comfort zone. Lord, quiet the noise….
The Prisoner's Prayer Book 