Today I wrote to my missionary son and as I did so I started to discuss the end of one year or season and the beginning of the next. As I shared I learned more about 'endings and beginnings' for myself and how life is filled with them.
Sometimes we long for the endings of things such as trials, tribulations, sufferings, sorrows, loneliness, financial struggles, health problems, pain and we often look forward to new beginnings or fresh starts such as the birth of a precious little baby, the first day of school or dance class, beginnings of friendships, marriages, missions, vacations, jobs, activities or events, service opportunities, etc.
Endings and Beginnings are an important part of our growth and development and our moving-on (or up) the ladder of life. They're not always easy. In fact, some may involve a bit of trepidation like the first day of school or the move to a new home. Others might be filled with excitement and enthusiasm (such as a wedding or long-awaited graduation day) but both are part of this earth life and important for our mortal experience.
Tomorrow, we're driving my oldest back up to college at BYU-Idaho in Rexburg. She attended there before her mission (to Virginia, Chesapeake) from which she returned home just a few months ago. It's the end of our short and precious time with her and the beginning of some new experiences in housing with roommates she's never met, an apartment complex she's never seen, with classes and professors she's unaccustomed to.
There is peace in knowing that she's been guided to do these things, yet, accompanied by a few thoughts and perhaps some concerns about the 'unknown'. But, prayer is the great and calming influence which helps us during all these times and for which we are eternally grateful.
So, my thought today is that endings and beginnings are all part of this earth journey and the Lord is kind to us as we experience feelings that are sometimes new and even 'uncomfortable' but which are needful for our progress and development.
I wish you all a year of learning and growth, and endings of hardships that are a result of sin and of new beginnings that come from repentance (a change of mind, a fresh view about God, oneself or the world.)
Sometimes we long for the endings of things such as trials, tribulations, sufferings, sorrows, loneliness, financial struggles, health problems, pain and we often look forward to new beginnings or fresh starts such as the birth of a precious little baby, the first day of school or dance class, beginnings of friendships, marriages, missions, vacations, jobs, activities or events, service opportunities, etc.
Endings and Beginnings are an important part of our growth and development and our moving-on (or up) the ladder of life. They're not always easy. In fact, some may involve a bit of trepidation like the first day of school or the move to a new home. Others might be filled with excitement and enthusiasm (such as a wedding or long-awaited graduation day) but both are part of this earth life and important for our mortal experience.
Tomorrow, we're driving my oldest back up to college at BYU-Idaho in Rexburg. She attended there before her mission (to Virginia, Chesapeake) from which she returned home just a few months ago. It's the end of our short and precious time with her and the beginning of some new experiences in housing with roommates she's never met, an apartment complex she's never seen, with classes and professors she's unaccustomed to.
There is peace in knowing that she's been guided to do these things, yet, accompanied by a few thoughts and perhaps some concerns about the 'unknown'. But, prayer is the great and calming influence which helps us during all these times and for which we are eternally grateful.
So, my thought today is that endings and beginnings are all part of this earth journey and the Lord is kind to us as we experience feelings that are sometimes new and even 'uncomfortable' but which are needful for our progress and development.
I wish you all a year of learning and growth, and endings of hardships that are a result of sin and of new beginnings that come from repentance (a change of mind, a fresh view about God, oneself or the world.)
