NEW BEGINNINGS

The years will never take away 

our chance to start anew

It's only the beginning now

So dreams can still come true

-Gertrude B. McClain-

A caterpillar has to go through the pupa stage to become a butterfly - it has to really struggle out of its cocoon to be the beautiful butterfly that brings colour and joy into the world! As a child, I loved seeing the colourful butterflies fluttering from flower to flower in our garden and then seem to dance in the bright sunshine. I would feel such light joy in my heart.  Today, I also realized that is how it is in life. We must remember we can be "butterflies" in different places and try to bring joy to others.

We must know when it is time to move on and make a new beginning because remaining stagnant can be detrimental to our own self-worth and growth. We may think we are contributing in a meaningful way but that may not be so to those in authority or we could be doing something out of a sense of responsibility but forgetting we must truly follow our heart! 

I met a beautiful young woman a couple of days back who had taken 5 months off to travel in India to find herself and what would make her happy in her life. It made me remember the times in my life when I had the great self-confidence to do just that. Perhaps age tends to make us settle for the safe and the tried and to live in our comfort zone and not be quite so daring about taking risks.

Well, even comfort zones can feel like a combat zone suddenly.  Hence, our heart and mind must be prepared when life has to be a new beginning so that we can try anew to be blessings to others. God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” Let us then be bold and say. “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Writing this post reminds me of a dear friend who for the longest while is trying to discern regarding her career's direction and to answer God's Call in a deeper way. I truly hope 2013 will be for her a new joyous challenge to whatever it may be - and for many of us!

It is hard to go through change. I used to cry before each new posting to a different country  about a month or two  before I had to make the move...well, because there was always so many good friends and beautiful memories in each place I had to leave behind to start anew. Yet, on the day I had to leave, I was always very calm and collected while it was my close friend who would shed a few tears amidst the hugs and kisses. I am not sure why - perhaps because I had already cried all my tears out and usually said my goodbyes to most loved ones at home not at the airport. Most of the countries I moved to were a not a problem to live in. I loved what I did and there were always good friends  to uplift and encourage me. I still keep in touch with these friends who are priceless to me!

Well, God will not make us go through the painful "pupa" stage for nothing. For out of pain, has often come the greatest artistic, creative and human achievements in man's history. It helps each of us to take a look at ourselves - how we really are to others. Then, we have to decide once and for all - are we ready for a fresh new beginning to start from scratch - with no regrets of the past? Are we ready to aim for the stars once again?

The deeply reflective YouTube video above, NEW BEGINNINGS by Gertrude B McClain, adapted from "It Is Time For A Fresh Start" is truly worth spending a few contemplative moments as we start 2013. 

“We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him.”

(Romans 8:28)