New beginnings and Spring
I love Spring. This spring, not only have I enjoyed watching the beautiful flowers burst forth from the bulbs planted in the fall, I am also experiencing new beginnings in both my civilian and military jobs. New beginnings are never easy. To start new, you likely have to say goodbye to parts of your past. Just like the tulips and hyacinths growing in my garden, it requires change and transformation in order to fully experience these new roles. As my flowers struggled to break through the soil, the conditions and environment had to be just right to enable them to flourish and grow. New beginnings are similar. The conditions are often set to help you succeed, but you have to be willing to break through the soil by meeting new people, learning different tasks-getting out of the comfort of being buried in the soil where it is warm and safe. But when you break through, when you allow yourself to be uncomfortable-look at what beauty comes forth!
God reminds us that “as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations” (Isaiah 61:11, NIV). There are no limits to what you can do with God in your life. When we cease to limit ourselves and lean in to God, He creates in us beauty beyond what we could have imagined. Don’t let the weight of the soil that surrounds you limit you. Don’t let the comfort of where you are today limit you from following God’s path for you. Imagine the new you that can sprout forth when you are open to the change, to the transformation, to the new beginning. Sometimes, you have to be uncomfortable in order to grow.
Today, I spent an entire day reminiscing the past while looking forward to the future. I had the unique opportunity to spend the day with both teams as we bid farewell to our leader while welcoming new leadership. New beginnings everywhere. The seeds planted from my original team are still there. The lessons learned and growth remain-they have made me stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead. I think about the flowers breaking through the soil and their first exposure to the sun. It must have felt blinding, even daunting. But eventually, what was blinding will become life giving. I know the future is bright and what may seem blinding or daunting now, will eventually become life giving and fulfilling…that is the future, that is the joy of new beginnings.
Today, I pray that you open yourself up to change. That when you are comfortable and God is nudging you to be uncomfortable, to grow, that you break through the soil and you allow yourself to bloom.
I pray these words speak to you. Help spread God’s word and share with a friend. Sign up on my web page to not miss a blog!
