“Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” True enough; to which we can add, “You’re older than you’ve ever been… and now you’re even older.”* Surely you didn’t open up your email this morning to read such drivel.
New Year’s Day is susceptible to all manner of specious claptrap. Something about January 1 makes people want to quote every inspirational poster ever hung up in a dorm room or a human resources office. It is true that it is the first day of the new calendar year and so one is expected to say something about putting behind the past and looking ahead to an uncharted future. I’m a Christian. And a preacher. I talk about putting the past behind us and being open to God’s future every week. I find myself talked out come New Year’s.
Starting out is scary business.
Two or three times a week I sit down before a white screen and a deadline looming. A sense of responsibility and a dread fear of having nothing to say keeps me glued to my chair until I hear God speak… or until 4th down when I punt and meander under my own steam. Starting a homily or a devotional is scary to me, but it’s peanuts compared to really starting something new.
Ask a woman carrying her first child.
Or anyone on the first day at a new school or a new job.
Or someone on their first day without a drink.
First days are filled with promise, but promises get broken all the time. There’s so much we could become and so much we could ruin. Today’s a fresh start. Like every day. It’s just as important. Who knows what might come of it if you face the fear and start anyway.
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Prayer: O God, you are ever new and ever renewing us. Don’t let us grow complacent that you will renew us tomorrow. Renew us today. Amen.
*With absolutely no apologies to They Might Be Giants