Deanna Beaver
I
I appreciate encountering new things. Call it curiosity or just part of being a lifelong learner. There are things in our lives that cause us to experience beginnings. Some new ventures are inevitable, while others allow us to make choices.
Recently, I’ve attended some retirement celebrations. Speaking from experience, choosing what to do next can be daunting. Should I get another job? Should I pursue a favorite hobby? There are always people in the cheap seats yelling, “Do what you want to do.” I have a friend who has a pet answer when others inquire about what she does in retirement, “Whatever I damn well please.” Now, I know a lot of you would love to say that!
What about graduating from high school, college, technical school, etc.? What’s going to be next? Will you make the right choice? Can you change the trajectory later? What do you want to be when you grow up? The possibilities are endless.
Weddings represent a special new beginning. Marriage involves two people committing to merge their lives and start a new story that includes their wants and needs. Do they understand the sacrifices a union can expect? If God is part of that union, they have an excellent chance of success—my husband and I did.
Relationships vary in different situations. Initial meetings with others may begin an extended friendship. Many people may cross your path and influence you. However, you may not remain in constant contact with them. I’m not well-traveled yet. But I enjoy hearing about the travel experiences of my friends, family, and strangers. There is always something new to learn. Their experiences enlighten me and spark my curiosity to learn more about our world.
I encourage you to treat each new beginning with open eyes and seek to find the beauty and joy of that experience. Just saying.
Share some beginnings you have experienced.
Marriage and the birth of a child are definitely two momentous new beginnings! You know in your head that these are changing the trajectory of your life, but it’s not until years later you can look back and really see just how pivotal and God-ordained those new beginnings were!
Retirement is definitely a new beginning! This freedom allows us to share new beginnings with our grandson who is now one! Experiencing all his firsts is a blessing. Our retirement also allows us to take the trip ~ a subtle reminder that tomorrow is not guaranteed!