In Matthew West’s latest single “Day One,” he sings “It’s day one of the rest of my life. I’m marching on to the beat of a brand new drum. Here I come. The future has begun. Day one.” This song takes on special significance for me in the season that I find myself in. As I mentioned in a previous entry, this year has been full of transitions for me. About two months ago, I started a new job and yesterday was my last day at the church that I have been a member of for the past 7 years, as me and some close friends are beginning the adventure of planting a new church.
At times, I feel as though I sound like a broken record when I write. The theme of “change” comes up alot in my writing. I tell people that this blog for me is like my diary that I have chosen to share with the world, so the themes that wiggle their way into its pages again and again are the ones where God has me focused at the present moment. I’m sure this is not the last blog post I will write about change, transition and moving forward.
So, on the subject of change, a couple of days ago I had a conversation with a friend who has been hit with transition this year like I have been. His attitude is so positive all the time. I remember that as we made the announcement to the youth we have been serving in this past season about leaving to start a church plant, he said something along the lines of, “I can’t say I’m sad about this, because I know that we are a family, that we will remain a family and only good can come out of this.” He told me that when changes like these hit, he chooses to stay focused on the outcome, which he has the faith to believe is a good one.
That conversation was an excellent reminder for me. I know that the changes I am experiencing right now are going to lead to amazing things that I can’t even begin to fathom or imagine. But I am a sap. The tears flow when I have to say goodbye to friends and seasons that I have cherished and adored for so long.
So as I write this blog post, I am wondering, how many of you are on the brink of something big in your lives, but before you get there, have to say goodbye to a good season that is near to its end? How many of you have to say goodbye to some relationships and circumstances that you have held on to and cherished, in order that you can embrace the new thing that God is doing in your life? My feeling is that I am not alone in this.
I want to encourage you with this simple thought: Every new beginning represents a new adventure. As God moves you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown, He will draw you closer to himself and increase your confidence in Him. The adventures of God come with their twists and turns, but there are many surprises underway. You have no idea what the outcome will be, but you can be rest assured that its better than anything that you could have ever imagined.
Here’s the thing about change and new adventures, there always has to be a day one. There is always that defining moment when you step away from the old to step into the new. There comes a time when it becomes necessary to draw a line in the sand between your past and your future. Allow today to be your day one.
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isa. 43:18-19)
