Beginnings by Brandon L. Smith

Life is full of surprises. This fact of life has a tendency to keep us on our toes. I'm not sure that any of us really know what's around the corner. I can assure you, however, that there is a surprise around the corner. Sometimes these special events are welcomed with open arms, and other times we cry out for help and rescue.

I think each surprising event in our lives offers us a new beginning. In that moment we have an opportunity to embrace the change or run from it.  It's easy, I'm sure, to run toward things that make us happy, but what about the things that make us grow.  Our first instinct is to take flight or run from anything that causes us to change. It's our human nature to do such a thing. What would happen, I wonder, if we decided to remain steady and stand firm before we bolted for the door?  We might actually think things through and find change more appealing having seen things from a different perspective.

Slow down. Take a moment. Breathe. Everything is going to be okay. Another opportunity for a fresh start and new beginning is ahead of you. Don't run. Embrace the challenge because your life depends on it.

A scripture from the Bible that helps me do this is 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." It's helpful to know what God has given me when I'm trying to decide to move forward in change, growth, or a new beginning.