Begin Again
It’s the phrase that I would say over and over when my kids were little and trying to master something new: “Try again.” I’d repeat it to Logan, as he tested toy vehicles with different implements.
To Blaine, as he shot baskets.
To Aubrey, as she practiced drawing shapes.
As little ones, we all needed those words of encouragement and support as our high level of discovery was juxtaposed with our amateur skill level. We still need to hear those words today.
This week I was encouraged to “Begin Again.” Father Jack sagely said that while this time of year isn’t January 1, there is great newness that comes with the start of each school year, so let’s try to Begin Again.
On the micro-level, there are many times throughout the day when I need to pause and begin again: Rephrase what I’m trying to say. Restart my computer. Refocus. Start back on a project that was interrupted. Remember why I entered a room of my house (haha).
But sometimes beginning again is way easier said than done. On the macro-level, where there is a greater level of intensity and effect, there are other ways that I need to begin again:
Begin again with a…
- Prayer routine
- Workout plan
- Relationship
or begin again when I experience a…
- Lack of trust
- Lack of patience
- Fear of the unknown
We have no need to begin again when we complete something or do it well or do it to completion. But, we are imperfect beings. Therefore, there are many opportunities to Begin Again!
Father Jack’s words keep circulating through my head. When I fall, I must say, "Begin Again." Another great quote that entered my life this week is, “Those that climb higher never stop moving from one beginning to the next.”
It applies to all areas of life - physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional. We will be on an upward trajectory if we move from one beginning to another. Why? Because in between each new beginning is growth. In between each new beginning, we have the opportunity to course-correct, or recommit, or wake up another day determined to begin again. Sure, there will be setbacks and weak moments, but progress requires us to begin again and again.
What area of your life do you need to Begin Again?
Let’s remember to lean on God’s grace and mercy to do this well. It’s always better than doing it on our own. Father Jack’s words came to me in the confessional, about the greatest place to begin again.
Forgive me, Father, for I have not loved well.
Let me begin again with your wellspring of Mercy so that I can begin again with renewed spirit and pray for the Grace I need in each moment.
May you find great hope and growth in beginning again!