A New Day

   Every day we are given the opportunity to begin again. I think that is truly a blessing. We don't have to stay hooked into the past, we can choose to begin all over and start fresh. Yes, that does sound simple and easy. However, some people don't realize life can be different until someone says, start over! When I wasn't feeling spiritually fulfilled, I started seeking nourishment elsewhere. I didn't stay with what was familiar, I looked beyond what I could see and searched for more. I walked out of my confort zone and took a risk.
     Sometimes we have to take risks in order to find something more. When I say risk, I'm not talking about sky diving, I just mean doing something that's different and challenging for our normal day. A year and a half ago I went on a shopping trip--and it wasn't for shoes! I was seeking another church, one that spoke to my heart. It took numerous attempts to find the one that was right for me. Of all things, it was a Methodist church! I was raised a Methodist and had chosen to ignore their teachings and follow a New Age view point. I did that for well over 35 years. And here I was, sitting in a Methodist church in a folding chair at the contemporary service. And I loved it!
     Now, to be honest, it took some conditioning to get past a few words that bothered me. I hadn't been a practicing Christian for many years, so some of those words were uncomfortable to hear. But I was committed to being open and learning. I was determined to see what there was here to learn and potentially grow from that knowledge. I took a risk. 
     Every week that I attended church, I heard music that moved my soul. And my feet and hands! I swayed with the music, I clapped, and I sang out. I had fun at church! I don't remember having fun at church before, but with a new frame of mind, I was actually having fun! From the first time I attended services there, I was moved by the music. It touched my soul, it stirred my emotions, it made me happy. The sermon that followed guided me in ways I needed every week. The pastor was speaking to me. He was communicating a message that my heart and soul needed to hear. I hung on his words. Every Sunday. I looked forward to attending church every Sunday.  All because I took a risk in order to find something more.
     I decided to attend a women's Bible study class. Little me, walking into a room with seasoned Christian women. Would they accept me? Would they judge me for my past? Would they think I asked silly questions? This was a big risk. Huge. But my eagerness to learn propelled me to take a risk at all costs. And I can tell you, I am delighted I took that risk. Not only did I learn about the Bible, I made new friends. No one judged me. Everyone accepted me. And all enjoyed my enthusiasm to learn. No one thought I asked silly questions, either. I took a risk, and the outcome was very worthwhile.
     Stick your neck out there; take a risk. Learn something new. Make a detour to an unfamiliar area to discover something great. Listen to your heart instead of your friends. Be all you can be! You've got this!
     PS:  I am traveling next week, so there will not be a blog post.  Until I return, Love To All.

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